What to Consider for Sports Medicine, Hand, Foot and Ankle, and Spine Procedures Performed in the ASC Setting.

Abstract

This paper will review special considerations for orthopaedic ambulatory surgery specialties in sports medicine, hand, foot and ankle, and spine procedures. Orthopaedic ambulatory surgery has seen a rapid increase in the number of cases that are being migrated from the hospital to the outpatient surgical setting. This rapid increase warrants a heightened awareness for special considerations for outpatient surgical procedures that include both patient and procedure alike. As patients become more complicated, so do the procedures that are being performed in the ambulatory surgery setting. Without recognition of special considerations for ambulatory surgery center (ASC) patients, especially in sports medicine, hand, foot and ankle, and spine procedures specialties, there lies an inherent risk that has the potential to be mitigated. Patient selection needs to be carefully considered when procedures are selected for the ambulatory surgical setting, in addition to considerations that include a multidisciplinary approach to care. Orthopaedic nurses play a vital role in the treatment and care delivery in the ASC setting and for sports medicine, hand, foot and ankle, and spine procedures. Each aspect of the care continuum needs to be considered to avoid adverse outcomes and patient safety-related issues.