Patient length of stay in PACU

[greenbean21]

Can anybody tell me the average length of stay for patients in the PACU?

For example, how long the average patient stays in PACU (ex: for spinal surgeries, abdominal surgeries, ortho surgeries, etc.)? I know a lot of it depends on pain control and meds given, etc.

Thanks!

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

You have way too many co-morbid factors to really have a hold on it. Plus, you always have the anesthesia provider's practice--soooo many things depend on what they do in the OR.

But there are generalities:

ASA 1s with MACs--coming out awake, hungry, no pain? Out the door faster then you can say boo.

ASA 2s/3s with MACS with some co morbids affecting their post op? Longer (depends on the type of surgery).

ASA 2s/3s with GA multiple co-morbids affecting their post ops (depends on the surgery) Even longer still.

I'm not sure this has helped you, but I hope it has somewhat.

[Syhuggins]

I do not have a step down / Phase II PACU & so my nurses do it all - the patients come directly from the OR to this unit & are discharged to home (or the floor) as well.

Our length of stay is now based simply on the Aldrete score. Condition based discharge is how we function & it has been quite a transition for my nurses who were discharging based on time limitations (i.e. the first hour was considered phase I & the patient was required to remain at that status for one hour & then they were considered phase II & sat for an hour, then & only then would they begin to think about offering the patient a drink & prepping them to go home).

Perform an intenert search for the following article - it is very helpful if you are looking to change current practice:

Discharge Criteria and Complications after ambulatory surgery

If you would like to PM me your email address I would be happy to send you some article.

[wakeupcall]

Like previous responder, we have one area where we perform both Phase I & II, and from which pt is discharged home, or taken to floor. We also discharge by criteria (Aldrete score), and additionally, pt needs to be off oxygen (on room air) for at least 30 minutes and maintain SaO2 of > 92% to be discharged. Pt can be sent to floor on O2 if unable to maintain SaO2 of 92% on room air, providing still has Aldrete of 8 or higher.