What it means
Care given in clinics, offices, day-surgery centers and other settings where the client goes home the same day. Many surgeries and procedures are now done on an outpatient basis. The opposite is an inpatient, who is admitted.
For the nurse
For same-day surgery, the client goes home soon after waking, so check that someone will drive them and stay with them, and give clear written discharge instructions.
At a glance
| Spanish | paciente ambulatorio |
|---|---|
| Also written | outpatients, out-patient |
Related terms
hospitalization
A stay in a hospital as an admitted client, or the act of being admitted to one.
rehabilitation
Care that helps a person regain, keep or improve the skills and independence lost through illness, injury or surgery.