‘Training’ patients for surgery reduces LOS, costs

Editor's Note

A home-based preoperative training program decreased hospital length of stay (LOS), reduced costs, and was well accepted by patients, this study finds.

Elements of the Michigan Surgical Home and Optimization Program include improving the patient’s diet, reducing stress, breathing exercises, smoking cessation, and an emphasis on light physical activity (ie, 12 miles of walking per week).

A total of 641 patient participated in the program. Multivariate analysis found that participation in the program was associated with a 31% reduction in LOS and 28% lower costs.

Further efforts will focus on broader implementation and linking participation to postoperative complications and outcomes, the authors say.

The Michigan Surgical Home and Optimization Program is a structured, home-based, preoperative training program targeting physical, nutritional, and psychological guidance. The purpose of this study was to determine if participation in this program was associated with reduced hospital duration of stay and health care costs.