Experience and results after the implementation of a radiology day unit in a reference hospital

Abstract

Background Interventional radiological procedures have significantly increased in recent years. Most of them are minimally invasive and require a short hospitalization, mainly done in other non-radiological units nowadays. Limited bed availability and high occupancy rates in these units create longer waiting lists and cancellations. The aim of this retrospective study is to assess the creation and functioning of a Radiology Day Unit (RDU) and evaluating its outcomes. For this purpose, data about interventional procedures and its complications, incidents, patient safety, quality and satisfaction rates were collected from May 2018 to December 2020, and posteriorly analyzed to evaluate its implementation. Results During the assessed period, 3841 patients were admitted into the RDU, with a net increase of 13% and 26% in the second and third year, respectively. Procedures performed by the Abdominal Radiology section were the most frequent (76–85%) followed by Interventional Vascular Radiology and Thoracic Radiology. Complication rates were low (1.5%) and most of them were self-limited and managed in the own department. Waiting lists were significantly reduced, from 2 months to 1 week in case of procedures performed by the Abdominal Radiology section. Patient satisfaction was higher than 80% in all the items evaluated with a global satisfaction of 93%. Conclusion The RDU in our hospital has become a vital section for the management and post-procedure caring of patients undergoing interventional procedures in the Radiology Service with low complication rates and overall high levels of quality and patient safety, allowing the reduction of waiting lists and occupancy rates.

Developing day-case units: imperative for optimal patient care in interventional radiology

“…2 As IR treatments have evolved, they have become less invasive, enabling rapid recovery, which expedites ambulation and promotes sameday discharge. 3 Over 90% of IR procedures are currently undertaken via small incisions, using local anaesthesia and sedation with short recovery times. As a result of this, a significant proportion of IR elective work can be provided using a day-case service model.…”

Unseen allies of pain management: Illuminating the crucial role of clinical radiology in pain medicine

“…12 Minimally invasive interventional procedures have also been shown to shorten in-hospital admissions and improve patient flow. 13 Imagingguided procedures performed by Radiologists are also completed faster and more precisely with CT guidance. Most IR procedures could be performed in the outpatient setting and do not require expensive operating theatre time or general anaesthesia/sedation.…”

“…The UK Centre of Workforce Intelligence has also suggested that the UK would need a minimum of 200 additional IR consultants to provide adequate after‐hours treatment in the UK 12 . Minimally invasive interventional procedures have also been shown to shorten in‐hospital admissions and improve patient flow 13 . Imaging‐guided procedures performed by Radiologists are also completed faster and more precisely with CT guidance.…”