The Post-Anaesthetic Care Tool (PACT) is a nursing assessment tool designed to improve patient safety in the Post-Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU). This article examines a study evaluating PACT’s clinical reliability and potential to enhance patient care and reduce healthcare costs.
Evaluating the Post-Anaesthetic Care Tool (PACT)
A systematic review and expert consensus identified essential criteria for assessing patient readiness for discharge from PACU. These criteria formed the basis of the PACT, subsequently integrated into post-anaesthetic documentation. This study aims to determine if PACT enhances recognition and response to at-risk patients, improves handover documentation, leads to better patient outcomes, and reduces healthcare costs.
Study Methodology: Pre and Post PACT Implementation
The study employs a prospective, non-randomised design comparing 750 pre-implementation patients with 750 post-PACT implementation patients. Data collection involves observation of patient care, nursing handover, health service data analysis, and medical record audits. Descriptive statistics will characterize the sample and compare groups. The Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test and regression analyses will assess differences in patient outcomes, reported as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Expected Outcomes of PACT Implementation
The study hypothesizes that PACT will improve nurses’ ability to identify and manage deteriorating patients, facilitate smoother handovers, enhance patient outcomes, and potentially reduce healthcare costs. By standardizing assessment criteria, PACT aims to minimize post-operative complications and ensure safer patient transitions from PACU.
Conclusion: PACT’s Potential Impact on Post-Operative Care
This research investigates the clinical reliability and cost-effectiveness of the PACT. Positive results could significantly impact post-anaesthetic care, leading to improved patient safety, optimized resource allocation, and enhanced overall quality of care.
