Detection of nonconformities and implementation of improvements in a major ambulatory surgery unit certified according to ISO 9001 : 2000

Objectives: To systematically detect aspects not conforming with ISO 9001: 2000 standards in the ambulatory surgery process and to implement corrective and preventive actions to improve the process. Material and method: An analytic, retrospective cohort study was carried out in the Ambulatory Surgery Unit of the Hospital Foundation Calahorra. Relative weights (Rw) by surgical specialty and procedure, non-conformances defined by the process, user satisfaction at 24 hours (general status), and satisfaction at 1 month were registered. Nonconformances and satisfaction surveys by Rw and specialties were compared by using a multivariate analysis. Results: A statistically significant correlation was found among: 1) Non-conformance (pain) and the complexity of the procedure. 2) Non-conformance (admission) and specific surgical specialties. Conclusions: Implementation of a quality management system according to the ISO 9001: 2000 standard allows non-conformances to be identified and corrective actions to be implemented. The main causes of non-conformances can be found in selection of patients and procedures.