Ambulatory Care: A Comprehensive Review
Ambulatory care, also known as outpatient care, is a type of medical care that does not require an overnight hospital stay. It is often provided in a clinic, doctor’s office, or other medical facility. This type of care can include diagnostic tests, treatments, and follow-up visits. In this review, we examine the various components of ambulatory care and its associated benefits and challenges.
Definition
Ambulatory care is defined as medical care provided to patients outside of a hospital. This type of care can include preventive services, such as physicals and immunizations, as well as diagnostic tests and treatments. It is typically provided in a clinic, doctor’s office, or other medical facility, such as a dialysis center, and does not require an overnight hospital stay.
Benefits
Ambulatory care offers a number of benefits for both patients and providers. For patients, it can be more convenient and less expensive than inpatient hospital care. Additionally, it can be beneficial for those who have limited mobility or transport options as they can receive medical care in their local area.
For providers, ambulatory care can provide a more efficient way to manage patient care. It can also help reduce the cost of providing care as it eliminates the need for inpatient hospital stays. Additionally, ambulatory care can improve access to care as it can allow providers to see a greater number of patients in a shorter amount of time.
Challenges
Despite the many benefits of ambulatory care, there are also a number of challenges associated with it. For example, it can be difficult to coordinate care between multiple providers, as patients may need to see multiple specialists for their care. Additionally, there is a risk of medical errors due to the fragmentation of care.
Conclusion
Ambulatory care is a type of medical care that does not require an overnight hospital stay. It can offer a number of benefits, including convenience and cost savings, but also has its challenges. However, with the right coordination and planning, ambulatory care can provide a valuable resource for both patients and providers.
References
American Academy of Family Physicians. (n.d.). What is ambulatory care? Retrieved from https://www.aafp.org/afp/topicModules/viewTopicModule.htm?topicModuleId=29
Kotagal, U. (2020). Ambulatory care: What it is and why it’s important. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/ambulatory-care
University of Rochester Medical Center. (2020). Ambulatory care. Retrieved from https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/primary-care/ambulatory-care.aspx