Guidelines Help Reduce Length of Stay

Daily guidelines of care for those who undergo lung surgery can significantly reduce a patient's length of stay in the hospital and increase quality of care and patient satisfaction, according to a study published in the August issue of the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery.

In a study of 500 lung patients, UAB chest surgeon Robert Cerfolio, M.D., found that setting a very specific daily treatment regimen allowed most to go home within three to four days, compared to the national average of six to seven days stay following lung surgery.

"Despite cost concerns, our main goal is to perform safe operations without compromising our quality of care or patient satisfaction. However, we must achieve these goals in the context of a cost-conscious environment."

Contact Tracy Bischoff, Media Relations, 205-934-8935 or [email protected].