The effect of a bundle intervention for ambulatory otorhinolaryngology procedures on same‐day case cancellation rate and associated costs

Abstract

SummaryCancellations within 24 h of planned elective surgical procedures reduce operating theatre efficiency, add unnecessary costs and negatively affect patient experience. We implemented a bundle intervention that aimed to reduce same‐day case cancellations. This consisted of communication tools to improve patient engagement and new screening instruments (automated estimation of ASA physical status and case cancellation risk score plus four screening questions) to identify patients in advance (ideally before case booking) who needed comprehensive pre‐operative risk stratification. We studied patients scheduled for ambulatory surgery with the otorhinolaryngology service at a single centre from April 2021 to December 2022. Multivariable logistic regression and interrupted time‐series analyses were used to analyse the effects of this intervention on case cancellations within 24 h and costs. We analysed 1548 consecutive scheduled cases. Cancellation within 24 h occurred in 114 of 929 (12.3%) cases pre‐intervention and 52 of 619 (8.4%) cases post‐intervention. The cancellation rate decreased by 2.7% (95%CI 1.6–3.7%, p < 0.01) during the first month, followed by a monthly decrease of 0.2% (95%CI 0.1–0.4%, p < 0.01). This resulted in an estimated $150,200 (£118,755; €138,370) or 35.3% cost saving (p < 0.01). Median (IQR [range]) number of days between case scheduling and day of surgery decreased from 34 (21–61 [0–288]) pre‐intervention to 31 (20–51 [1–250]) post‐intervention (p < 0.01). Patient engagement via the electronic health record patient portal or text messaging increased from 75.9% at baseline to 90.8% (p < 0.01) post‐intervention. The primary reason for case cancellation was patients' missed appointment on the day of surgery, which decreased from 7.2% pre‐intervention to 4.5% post‐intervention (p = 0.03). An anaesthetist‐driven, clinical informatics‐based bundle intervention decreases same‐day case cancellation rate and associated costs in patients scheduled for ambulatory otorhinolaryngology surgery.