title: Early release after cardiac surgery.
abstract: Early release after cardiac surgery can be facilitated by the implementation of a standard protocol for pre- and postoperative care. This protocol involves aggressive pharmacological therapy, in combination with education and support. Accelerated recovery and release is inherently attractive because the duration of intensive care unit stay and of total hospital stay are the most important determinants of costs. However, in addition to the desire for reduced costs, the patients must be clearly seen to benefit from earlier rehabilitation and release. Retrospective studies have shown no significant differences in mortality or morbidity between patients who have received conventional care and those given 'fast-tracked' care after cardiac surgery, and follow-up surveys have shown a high level of patient satisfaction with the care. Some centres report that all cardiac surgery patients are now fast-tracked.
authors.affiliation: University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Keon
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sherrard
mesh_terms: D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000191:economics; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome