This research investigates the preadmission testing of outpatient surgical patients. The purpose of the investigation is to evaluate preadmission testing as a means of (1) enhancing the quality of care delivered, (2) reducing post operative recovery times, and (3) improving the cost effectiveness of the outpatient surgical program.
Preadmission testing for outpatient surgical patients involves a number of different activities. Included in the process are the (1) performance of necessary pre-surgery medical tests and procedures, (2) origination and/or updating of patient medical records, (3) origination and/or updating of patient administrative/financial records, (4) scheduling of resources required to perform the surgical procedure, (5) education of patients with respect to the surgical procedure and recovery, and (6) final assessment of the patient as a viable candidate for outpatient surgery (Squibb, 1988; Barron, 1987; Anderson, & Zimbra, 1986; Worley, 1986; Connaway, & Blackledge, 1986; Burn, 1979).
In this review, literature is considered with respect to various aspects of the preadmission testing process, and with respect to the relationships between preadmission testing and factors included in the purpose of this study. The findings of the literature review are presented in three separate discussions. The topics of these discussions are (1) outpatient surgery and preadmission testing, (2) preadmission testing and the cost effectiveness of outpatient surgery, and (3) patient education and post surgical recovery.
Outpatient Surgery & Preadmission Testing
The use of outpatient surgery (also referred to as ambulatory surgery) increased 77 percent from 1979 to 1983 (Shannon, 1985b). By 1990 (less than one year from this writing), it has been projected that 40 percent of all surgical procedures in the United States will be performed in ambulatory surgical centers (Shannon, 1985a).
Am...