Same Day Elective Surgery Cancellation at El-Demerdash University Hospital: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract Background Same day Elective surgery cancellation is a quality issue in the healthcare system that affects the financial aspect of healthcare system due to repeated pre-operative preparations and prolonged hospital stay, leading to increased costs. Aside from its economic impact, it is also associated with considerable psychological and social impact on patients and their families. Objectives To measure the prevalence of same day elective surgery cancellation at El-Demerdash University Hospital in Egypt and to identify causes of cancellation in the hospital. Methodology: A cross-sectional study included 993 elective surgical procedures in the operating department at El-Demerdash Hospital which consists of 21 operating rooms (ORs) for elective surgeries. Results The prevalence of same day elective surgical cancellation is 12.59%. the vital few causes of cancellation are: Unavailable OR time (24.03%), Unavailable ICU bed (21.71%), Change in patient’s medical condition (14.73%), Prolonged previous operation (10.85%) and Unavailable/failed equipment (7.75%). Vascular surgery department shows the highest cancellation rate (25.40%) followed by Plastic surgery (16%). This study shows that 20.0% of cancellations occur after patient’s arrival to operating department. Conclusions and Recommendations Same day elective surgery cancellation at El-Demerdash University Hospital is mainly due to hospital related causes. Managerial strategies and efforts towards vital few causes of cancellation for better utilization of the operating rooms is highly recommended.