Outpatient Spine Surgery in Poland: A Survey on Popularity, Challenges, and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the popularity of outpatient spine surgery in Poland, identify factors influencing its adoption, and assess its benefits, challenges, and impact on patient outcomes and healthcare costs. Additionally, the study proposes strategies to improve outpatient spine surgery adoption and ensure its safe implementation in Poland. Materials and Methods: An electronic survey was distributed to members of the Polish Spine Surgery Society and the Polish Neurosurgery Society. Data were analyzed using Matlab R2020b statistical software, employing descriptive statistics to summarize the responses. Results: The survey indicated that 67% of respondents provide spinal procedures commercially, with 58% performing them on an outpatient basis, showing the growing role of the private sector in providing spinal surgery services in Poland. Root nerve blocks and joint blocks were the most common outpatient procedures, followed by microdiscectomy, endoscopic discectomy, and L-S spinal fusion. The public NHF was the most common payer for outpatient procedures. Conclusion: Outpatient spine surgery in Poland is not yet widespread, but improvements can be made to reduce hospital stays and enhance recovery. Changes in reimbursement systems to cover outpatient procedures and addressing physicians' liability concerns, particularly by emphasizing the NO-fault system, are essential. With proper support, outpatient spine surgery could become a valuable addition to Poland's healthcare system.