ACSQHC-ARCR-203

In 2016–2017, 2.34 million anaesthetics were performed for day surgery procedures in Australia. Currently there is no established method to determine the quality of recovery in these patients, hence we do not know which patients experience suboptimal outcomes. This evidence gap has implications for patient care, and quality improvement initiatives at clinician, hospital and state levels.

DayCOR is a software system which collects, alerts, manages and analyses patient demographic and patient-reported data. A survey link is automatically sent to patients via SMS and email 24 hours after discharge, with a reminder at 48 hours. Clicking the link opens their web-based survey. After a short introduction, patients opt in to a 15-question review consisting of clinical, process and patient experience questions.

The aims of this registry:

1. Collect patient-reported outcomes after anaesthesia for day surgery
2. Alert anaesthetists and nurses to post-discharge adverse events after anaesthesia for day surgery
3. Report de-identified data to clinicians, hospital/day facility (‘site’) management and other stakeholders.

The target population is all admitted patients who undergo anaesthesia or sedation for day surgery.

Clinical outcomes are degree of pain, nausea/vomiting, sleep quality, confusion, falls, ability to return to usual activities; process outcomes are analgesia and antiemetic availability and effectiveness, adherence to postoperative and medication instructions, requirement for post-discharge medical contact; patient experience outcomes are positive and negative hospital experiences, and suggestions to improve health care. Any concerning responses such as pain or prolonged vomiting are automatically emailed to the treating anaesthetist and site administrator.