The Postponement and Cancellations in Elective Care study: a national evaluation of case postponements and cancellations in elective surgical pathways

Abstract

Background Elective surgical postponements and cancellations adversely affect patient experience, clinical outcomes, and theatre efficiency within the UK NHS. The Postponement and Cancellations in Elective Care study aimed to establish the national incidence and underlying causes of elective surgical postponements at preoperative assessment and cancellations occurring within 24 h of planned surgery.

Methods This 7-day prospective service evaluation (November 11–18, 2024) collected data from participating NHS England trusts via an online platform. Preoperative assessment postponements were defined as any factor preventing a patient with a ‘to come in’ date from undergoing surgery as planned, or preventing preoperative assessment completion as ‘good to go’ within 2 weeks for those without a ‘to come in’ date. Cancellations were defined as a decision not to proceed within 24 h of planned surgery.

Results Seventy-eight trusts provided complete incidence data covering 22 573 preoperative assessment appointments and 19 905 planned procedures. The national preoperative assessment postponement incidence was 8.7% (95% confidence interval, 6.9–10.8%), most commonly attributable to further investigation or tests (n=595, 27.2%). The national cancellation incidence was 9.9% (95% confidence interval, 8.7–11.3%), most frequently associated with acute medical conditions (n=515, 23.8%) and list overruns (n=315, 14.5%).

Conclusions The Postponement and Cancellations in Elective Care study provides the first national overview of elective surgical pathway disruption in the UK. Nearly half of postponements were attributable to requirements for additional investigation or specialty review, indicating the importance of earlier optimisation and robust preoperative assessment fit to proceed criteria. Acute medical conditions continue to impact short-notice cancellations. Standardised pathways, improved scheduling, and strengthened perioperative coordination could reduce disruption and improve theatre utilisation.