Same-day admission for cardiac surgery: a benefit to patient, family, and institution.

A pilot program was conducted in an effort to understand the advantages of admitting patients requiring cardiac surgery on the day of the scheduled surgical procedure. A total of 143 patients over a 4-month period were admitted on the day of surgery. Patients required repair of atrial septal defect (adult), coronary artery bypass grafts, and/or heart valve replacements. Patients, family members, and significant others verbalized positive feelings about the program. Both nurses and physicians assert that a high quality of patient care was rendered through this program. Additionally, the institution realized some financial gain by reducing the length of stay for each patient by at least 1 day.