Length of stay following elective surgery--can we improve efficiency?

Increasing emergency admissions place significant demands on limited hospital resources. We assessed national practices and resources for initiatives to reduce length of stay (LOS) and thereby improve efficiency of resource utilisation. Consultant members of the Irish Association of Coloproctology received a questionnaire seeking information about available initiatives aimed at reducing LOS. 20 out of 32 (62.5%) consultants responded to the questionnaire. Pre-assessment clinics for day surgery were available to 18(90%). Only 13 (65%) had access to pre-assessment clinics for patients requiring longer admissions. 11 (55%) could admit major cases on the day of surgery. Only 9 (45%) surgeons could guarantee immediate re-admission of patients discharged from hospital if needed. There was a divergence of opinion regarding the acceptable average LOS and percentage suitable for day surgery for a variety of common surgical procedures. This study highlights a number of key areas in which certain well-established initiatives could improve efficiency.