TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan hospitals are expanding the range of surgical procedures that can be completed within one day as they adjust to newly mandated nurse-to-patient ratios, which take effect next year.
Surgeries that currently require an average 2.5-day hospital stay are now being considered for same-day procedures, allowing patients to recover at home following minimally invasive treatment. Other medical centers across Taiwan are expected to adopt similar systems, per UDN.
However, the shift toward outpatient surgery conflicts with Taiwan’s current health insurance reimbursement structure, which is largely tied to hospitalization. The Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Financial Supervisory Commission are considering easing policies and expanding the scope of insurance products.
National Taiwan University Hospital Superintendent Yu Chong-jen (余忠仁) said most surgeries can now be performed using minimally invasive techniques. He said the transition will require greater emphasis on preoperative assessments and outpatient care.
Departments expected to expand same-day surgery include cardiology and urology, with procedures such as cardiac catheterization and cystoscopy among those targeted.
Under the proposed model, patients would complete preoperative evaluations and undergo surgery on the same day before being discharged before 9 p.m. The system is intended to reduce pressure on overnight nursing staff.
Yu said same-day surgery would reduce manpower needs and lower nighttime bed occupancy rates. He added that the change could help hospitals comply with three-shift nurse-to-patient ratio requirements while improving retention rates for newly hired nurses.
Hong Tzu-jen (洪子仁), chair of the Taiwan Association of Medical Administration, said mandated nurse-to-patient ratios will increase hospital operating costs and make inpatient beds more of a limited resource. Hong said same-day surgery is likely to become standard practice across Taiwan, with Shin Kong Hospital already developing a plan aimed at reducing patient stays, per UDN.
Taipei Veterans General Hospital Superintendent Chen Wei-ming (陳威明) said same-day surgery reflects a global trend in health care. He said the hospital has already converted some surgeries and chemotherapy treatments into outpatient procedures, reducing burdens on patients while saving National Health Insurance and inpatient resources.
However, some patients still request hospitalization in order to qualify for insurance reimbursements. The FSC and the health ministry are looking to relax such regulations to conserve medical resources. Six major life insurance companies, including Cathay Life and Fubon Life, have also been consulted, though specific plans remain under discussion.
