The inaugural meeting of the Ambulatory Care Network will take place in Birmingham from 28-29th March 2019.

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Many diagnostic and therapeutic interventions can now be undertaken in an outpatient setting, within self-contained hospital or community facilities. Diagnostic and operative endoscopy, diagnostic and therapeutic imaging and many general gynaecological interventions can be carried out without general anaesthesia. This makes ambulatory care attractive to patients, health care professionals and managers.

 

Ambulatory gynaecological care is generally safe, convenient, cost-effective and associated with rapid recovery time. However, managing women who are awake in an outpatient setting presents a number of challenges.

 

The first Ambulatory Care Network meeting will explore all issues related to gynaecological ambulatory care, including protocols and pathways, referral criteria and preparation and pain-relief techniques to optimise the patient experience. The group will share practice and explore, from experience, what works and what doesn’t.

 

Most of the time in each session will be allowed to discussion, through Q&A, small group breakouts and written questions that may be submitted via e-mail or social media. Subjects to address include overcoming hurdles, the research and evidence base, quality assurance and issues around funding and dealing with commissioners.

BSGE Vice President Justin Clark is heading up the group which includes gynaecologists, GPs and nurses. He told The Scope:

 

‘Advances in technology combined with the enthusiasm of clinicians and the demands of our patients has resulted in much contemporary gynaecological practice being delivered in an ambulatory setting. This new interactive forum provides an exciting opportunity for doctors and nurses with a passion for ambulatory care to learn from each other, share ideas, improve quality, direct research and innovate within this expanding field.’