The Clínic's Institute of Cardiovascular medicine (ICCV) at the Hospital Clínic Barcelona consolidates an Outpatient Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures programme, which in 2023 allowed over 400 patients to undergo surgery in this format.
This is a programme in which nurses play a fundamental role, specifically the Advanced Practice Nurse (APN), who is the patient’s closest point of reference and responds to the patient’s need for information, knowledge of preliminary treatment and aspects related to the procedure. Teresa Espinosa, APN at the ICCV is in charge of applying specific criteria to adequately assess, prepare and educate the patient and their family, with the aim of achieving outpatient discharge, avoiding complications and promoting self-care.
In 2023, a total of 663 people were assessed, 422 of whom were able to undergo this type of procedure. Thirty-nine percent of the interventions were ablations, 21% angioplasties and 17% structural interventions, such as atrial appendage closures in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) or percutaneous mitral valve repairs.
After the procedure, the patient is placed under observation for 6-8 hours. Before discharge, additional tests are carried out, such as an ultrasound scan and an educational visit for the patient and family. In addition, a telephone number is provided for contact in case of emergency. Subsequently, follow-ups are carried out 24 hours and 10 days after the intervention.
At the ICCV it is valued vey positively, since “hospital admissions are reduced, more autonomy and empowerment are given to the patient with the constant monitoring of the nurses”, assures Montse Venturas, head of nursing at the ICCV. This programme makes it possible to optimize funding, with a reduction in hospital stays, and resources, with a lower rate of readmissions and complications.
