Considering bypass of Phase I PACU?

Incidence of Arrhythmias in ASA I Patients in the Phase I PACU

“…[1][2][3] Patients are routinely monitored with the assumption that there may be a cardiac event that should be recognized and treated. [4][5][6][7] The practice of routinely placing patients on a monitor during admission is so entrenched in perianesthesia practice that it has led to the question of whether it has become a "sacred cow" in practice, rather than an evidence-based practice for healthy ASA I patients.…”

“…Fast-tracking is the process where awake, stable patients who received minimal sedation or recover quickly from general anesthesia bypass the Phase I PACU altogether and go directly to Phase II or a step-down area directly upon leaving the OR. 3,6,8 Historically, this is a population that generally has been recovered in a Phase I PACU. These patients are moving faster and are therefore fast-tracking to the next phase of recovery, based on their overall condition, rather than the type of anesthesia.…”

“…These patients are moving faster and are therefore fast-tracking to the next phase of recovery, based on their overall condition, rather than the type of anesthesia. 3,6,8 Typically, no ECG monitoring is used in Phase II recovery. 3 From a patient perspective, one must consider that routine ECG monitoring may not be without consequences.…”

“…3,6,8 Typically, no ECG monitoring is used in Phase II recovery. 3 From a patient perspective, one must consider that routine ECG monitoring may not be without consequences. Modest patients are exposed while being connected to electrodes, which can also decrease body temperature and cause embarrassment.…”