Utilisation and outcomes following the introduction of an interventional radiology day unit

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

As interventional radiology (IR) treatments have evolved, they have become less invasive, enabling rapid recovery, which expedites ambulation and promotes same-day discharge. As a result of this, a significant proportion of IR elective work can be provided using a day-case service model. Reconfiguration of IR services to increase day-case procedures using a dedicated IR day-case unit (RDU) to facilitate the passage of patients is vital to ensure best medical practice. The aim of this review is to discuss the benefits of day-case IR procedures, the optimal structure of an RDU, and to inform radiologists how to introduce and/or improve day-case IR services in their IR practice.

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

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.