What's All the Fuss About? Day-of-Surgery Cancellations and the Role of Perianesthesia Nurses in Prevention

Abstract

“REIMBURSEMENT” and “wasted time” are buzzwords floating through the OR suites. Beyond the words lie complex issues, where the real impact of change in public health policy is felt as increased demands with decreased reimbursement threaten the functionality of surgical services. As health industries in general struggle to fulfill mandates for change within health care delivery systems, specialty areas with high costs are deeply impacted by the shortage of funding from all sectors. As perianesthesia nurses, our role in identifying issues preoperatively that may impact the rate of day-of-surgery cancellations is tantamount. As the first-line care providers, we have a unique opportunity to identify, triage, and communicate patient issues and promote continuous throughput. Sarah M. I. Gillen, BA, RN, CAPA, is Charge Nurse, CNIV, for Preoperative Evaluation at MCGHealth, Augusta, GA. Karen Catchings, BSN, RN, CAPA, is Charge Nurse, CNIV, for Same Day Surgery at MCGHealth, Augusta, GA. Leslie Edney, BSN, RN, CAPA, is Charge Nurse, CNIV, for the Post Anesthesia Care Unit at MCGHealth, Augusta, GA. Rhonda Prescott, BBA, is Data Coordinator for Perioperative Services at MCGHealth, Augusta, GA. Susan M. Andrews, BAN, MA, RN, CAPA, is Perioperative Manager, for Perioperative Services at MCGHealth, Augusta, GA.