Assessment of Development and Role of One Day Surgery in Slovak Healthcare System

The aim of this article is to describe the development of one day surgery (ODS) and assess its role within the Slovak healthcare system.

ODS is a surgical healthcare system based on single treatment of a patient or single diagnostic procedure when performing this healthcare intervention enables dismission of patient in stabilized state in 24 hours.

During 1997-1999 the first healthcare facilities of ODS were established in the Slovak Republic. Since then the number of ODS centers has grown to 54. Currently, some 8% of all operations in Slovakia, mainly surgical and ophtalmological, are done via ODS.

The authors suggest that, if possible, ODS is an economic option regardless of medical specialty. They expect an increase of facilities performing ODS within existing health structures, establishment of new facilities for ODS and a overall increase in number of ODS interventions in Slovakia in near future.

As a conclusion, the authors highlight a possibility of pregradual experience of medical students with ODS and its benefit in dissemination of understanding and positive attitude towards the ODS methods.