Published online Apr 18, 2023. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v14.i4.248
Peer-review started: November 28, 2022
First decision: January 20, 2023
Revised: February 4, 2023
Accepted: April 4, 2023
Article in press: April 4, 2023
Published online: April 18, 2023
Processing time: 140 Days and 20.1 Hours
There is a need for nationally agreed protocols to optimise the delivery of and measurement of outcomes in this type of surgery. At a local level, the provision of physiotherapy and out of hours support should be explored at sites where this is a perceived barrier.
There is consensus amongst United Kingdom (UK) surgeons to do more major foot and ankle procedures as day-case. Despite theoretical concerns about post-operative pain and satisfaction this was only measured by a third of those surveyed. Out of hours support and physiotherapy input were perceived as the main barriers.
A total of 132 respondents completed the survey and 80% worked in Acute NHS Trusts. Currently 45% of respondents perform less than 100 day-case surgeries per year for these procedures. Post-operative pain (34%) and patient satisfaction (10%) was not highly measured within their centres. The top perceived barriers to performing more major foot and ankle procedures as day-case were: Lack of adequate physiotherapy input and lack of out of hours support.
Online survey sent to British orthopaedic foot and ankle society members. Quantitative and qualitative data collected.
To scope the current practices of UK foot and ankle surgeons on day-case surgery for major foot and ankle procedures.
Day-case is used in other orthopaedic procedures with benefits of patients and providers.
There are currently no specific guidelines for day-case surgery in major foot and ankle procedures.