Fast-tracking the postanesthesia patient: the pros and cons.
Fast-tracking patients in the perianesthesia setting is a health care practice initiative that is rapidly increasing in popularity in hospitals and freestanding surgery centers throughout the United States and the world. ASPAN recognizes the efficacy of fast-tracking ambulatory surgery patients through the postanesthesia phase of care and currently recognizes 2 important models of fast-tracking: rapid PACU progression and bypassing Phase I PACU. This article reviews the pros and cons of these fast-tracking initiatives. Finally, ethical issues will be critically evaluated to ensure safe, quality, cost-effective care is maintained when fast-tracking this patient population.
Mamaril
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Ambulatory Surgery Unit, St Joseph Medical Center, Towson, MD 21204, USA.
D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D013527:Perioperative Nursing / Q000592:standards*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012956:Societies, Nursing; D014481:United States