Purpose
To analyze cancellations of surgeries and identify evidence-based interventions to
address this issue.
Design
Integrative literature review.
Methods
An integrative literature search was conducted in four databases: CINAHL, PubMed,
Embase, and Cochrane and included literature sources dated January 2011 to January
2016. The complete list of search terms consisted of the following: ambulatory surgery,
day surgery center, elective surgical procedure, elective operation, elective surgery,
schedule, access to care, surgery cancellation, operation cancellation, and surgery
delay.
Findings
Twenty-three literature sources were identified. Evidence included one randomized
controlled trial and multiple studies. Causes of cancellations were classified into
three categories: hospital-related reasons, patient-related reasons, and surgeon-related
reasons. Evidence confirmed most cancellations were avoidable.
Conclusions
Cancellation of scheduled surgeries has a significant impact on patients' health,
resources, cost, and quality of care. It is difficult to devise a solution without
understanding the cause of cancellations.
Keywords
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Biography
Narmeen Al Talalwah, BSN, MSc, DNP, RN, Perioperative Department, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
Biography
Kimberly H. McIltrot, DNP, CPNP, CWOCN, Acute and Chronic Care, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD
Article Info
Publication History
Published online: April 17, 2018
Footnotes
Conflict of interest: None to report.
Identification
Copyright
© 2018 by American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses
