Economic Benefits of Ambulatory Anesthesia: A Focus on Cost Efficiency and Patient Satisfaction
Submission: 07 May 2025 | Acceptance: 02 June 2025 | Publication: 01 July 2025
1Uzma Ishrat, 2Babar Shah, 3Dr. Attique Afzal Malik, 4Qaisar Mumtaz, 5Mohib Ali
1PIMS
2PIMS Rawalpindi
3Assistant Professor, Anaesthesia, SMDAS. DHQ Teaching Hospital Haripur.
4PIMS
5Sir Gangaram Lahore
Abstract
Background: Ambulatory (day-care) anesthesia has transformed surgical care by enabling early discharge, reducing hospital stay, and optimizing resource utilization. Its economic and patient-centered benefits require systematic evaluation.
Objective: To assess the cost-effectiveness and patient satisfaction associated with ambulatory anesthesia compared to inpatient anesthesia care.
Methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted on 140 patients undergoing elective minor to intermediate surgical procedures. Patients were divided into two groups: ambulatory anesthesia (n=70) and inpatient anesthesia (n=70). Outcomes included direct and indirect costs, recovery time, length of stay, and patient satisfaction scores.
Results: Ambulatory anesthesia significantly reduced hospital costs by 35% (p<0.001), shortened recovery time (6.5 ± 2.0 vs 24.8 ± 6.2 hours, p<0.001), and improved patient satisfaction scores (90% vs 72%, p<0.001). No significant difference in complication rates was observed.
Conclusion: Ambulatory anesthesia is a cost-effective and patient-preferred approach, offering substantial economic benefits without compromising safety.
Keywords: Ambulatory anesthesia, Cost-effectiveness, Day-care surgery, Patient satisfaction, Healthcare economics