title: Using a time-flow study to identify ambulatory surgical delays.
abstract: Identification of surgical delays in an ambulatory care setting is essential for providing consumer-sensitive nursing care. One method of identifying and documenting surgical delays is described. This method, a time-flow study, allowed a freestanding ambulatory surgical center to identify problem areas within its scope of operations, and to provide a factual basis for implementing solutions as part of a continuous quality improvement and cost analysis program.
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Boyle
mesh_terms: D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000451:nursing*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006801:Humans; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016528:Postanesthesia Nursing; D013997:Time Factors; D013996:Time and Motion Studies; D017749:Total Quality Management / Q000458:organization & administration*