Day surgery implementation toolkit | health.vic.gov.au

Date:: July 2023

Safer Care Victoria has developed the toolkit as part of our Department of Health's Planned surgery recovery and reform program.

Additional health sector resources are available on our Planned Surgery Recovery and Reform SharePoint site.

For access, contact the Planned Surgery Recovery and Reform team via surgicalreform@health.vic.gov.au

Key principles for safe introduction and expansion of day surgery models

Flowchart showing key principles for safe introduction and expansion of day surgery models

Key principles for safe introduction and expansion of day surgery models

Establish a day surgery multidisciplinary team

Leadership and clinical governance
Develop local clinical pathways based on best practice

Before surgery

Patient selection according to defined criteria
Setting expectations for patient/carer and GP
Optimisation/Prehabilitation
Discharge planning

Day of surgery

Plan and prioritise day cases
Allied health support
Criteria-led discharge

On discharge

Discharge with appropriate support at home
Post-surgery care instructions, including escalation criteria and pathway
Follow-up care within 48hrs of discharge

Discharge 24-48 hr follow up options

Virtual Care - Phone call/telehealth review
Pre-arranged GP or outpatient appointment
HITH - HITH conduct home visits

Evaluation and continuous improvement

Quality improvement methodology supports implementation and sustainability
Monitor and measure outcomes

Download Key principles for safe introduction and expansion of day surgery models

Reviewed 30 October 2023