Reasons for cancelling surgery at a university hospital

Abstract

This is a documentary, retrospective and quantitative study that aims to determine the reasons for cancelling elective surgery at a University Hospital of Rio de Janeiro. It aims to identify the number of elective surgeries cancelled in a period of nine months, considering emotional, physical and social implications for the clients, family and institution. The most frequent reason for cancelling a surgery was the relationship between customer and institution (27.4%). Lack of clinical conditions (24.5%), no show at the hospital (8.3%), lack of material (10.3%) and late hours (12%) were also mentioned as factors that interfere with the surgery. Apparently, some reasons could and should be controlled and restricted, leading to the recommendation of a systematic process of awareness in order to diminish surgical cancellation rates in this hospital