How to facilitate interventions? – Investigating the causes of cancelled elective surgeries, and ways to prevent them

Abstract

Abstract

Background: The high number of cancelled elective surgeries is a major problem in Hungary, as in most parts of the world. Identifying the causes can help to prevent and thus reduce the number of cancelled operations.

Objective: Our objective is to provide as comprehensive picture as it is possible about the reasons behind the cancellation of elective surgeries, and at the same time to help in the selection of appropriate preventive options in the institutions.

Method: Based on our research, published in 2020 and the data entered into NEVES since then, we will explore the reasons and make recommendations to reduce the number of cancellation of elective surgeries.

Results: According to our survey, the most common reasons for cancelled elective surgeries are incorrect patient preparation, some kind of contraindicating condition and time management errors. Interesting patterns in the incidence of these reasons can be observed when looking at days of the week, patient age or even the order of surgeries.

Discussion: Although the reasons behind cancelled elective surgeries are diverse, there are patterns that can help managers to identify adequate institutional preventive measures to reduce the incidence of cancelled operations.

Conclusion: The important message that we want to communicate is that even causes that are thought to be uncontrollable can have roots, which can be eliminated through targeted actions.