Few surgical patients admitted from the emergency room - AORN Booth - Association of Operating Room Nurses - Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

Despite what the public might assume from watching popular hospital dramas on television, only a small percentage of patients are admitted to surgery from the emergency room (ER), according to a Dec 28, 2001, news release from Surgical Information Systems. In a survey of 221,741 surgical procedures from hospitals across the United States, only .56% of surgical patients were admitted from the ER.

The data show that approximately 85% of surgical patients arrive on the day of their scheduled surgery. Of these, 64% are classified as "same day surgery" patients, 18% as "AM admission" patients, and 2% as "23 hour admit" patients. Inpatient admissions account for 15% of surgical patient admissions. Data were gathered using a perioperative information system at the point of care.

Survey Finds that Nearly 85% of Surgical Patients Arrive on the Day of Surgery (news release, Atlanta: Surgical Information Systems, Dec 28, 2001).

COPYRIGHT 2002 Association of Operating Room Nurses, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group