Cost-effectiveness of a hallux valgus day-surgery program

Abstract

IntroductionThe development of one-day surgery units has shown to be a better use of health resources without reducing quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and quality criteria of ambulatory surgery program in the hallux valgus process. Materials and methodsA retrospective study was conducted on a sample of 754 patients who underwent a hallux valgus process at our institution between 2002 and 2012. PatientsThe cost-process was evaluated using the Weighted Care Unit (WCU) as a measuring unit. Secondary data were collected as regards discharge criteria and patient satisfaction. ResultsA significant difference was found between WCU spending on in-patient surgery and out-patient surgery. Both samples were comparable and no differences were found between diagnosis and intervention. The admission rate after ambulatory surgery was 2.29%, and the substitution index increased to 56.04%. The ambulatory surgery program was given a satisfaction rating of 84.6 out of 100. ConclusionsThe results of our study indicate that it is possible to maximise the substitution index of the hallux valgus process leading to a better use of resources and a high degree of patient satisfaction.