title: Postoperative issues: discharge criteria.
abstract: With the continuous increase in the numbers and complexity of cases being done as ambulatory procedures, striking a balance between operational efficiency, patient safety, and patient satisfaction has become increasingly difficult. This article summarizes the latest evidence and consensus with regard to discharging an ambulatory patient home, the use of patient recovery scoring systems for protocol-based decision making, the concept of fast-track recovery, and requirements for patient escort. Fast-tracking (ie, bypassing the postanesthesia care unit) is an acceptable and safe pathway, provided careful patient selection and assessment are performed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, 169608, Singapore.
authors.forename: Hairil Rizal
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Abdullah
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Room 405, 2McL, 399 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T2S8, Canada. Electronic address: Frances.chung@uhn.ca.
authors.forename: Frances
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Chung
mesh_terms: D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D000762:Anesthesia Recovery Period; D006801:Humans; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000592:standards*; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000592:standards*
keywords: Ambulatory surgery; Discharge criteria; Discharge scoring; Fast-track