Across the country, orthopaedic practices are experiencing a significant shift: more procedures are moving from traditional hospital settings to outpatient facilities. This trend is driven by advances in surgical techniques, anesthesia, and pain management, as well as patient demand for convenience and cost efficiency. While the transition offers significant benefits, it also raises important questions about safety, quality, and equity in care delivery.
Duke Orthopaedic Surgery is helping lead this transformation. Executive Director for AI and Information Technology Innovation and assistant professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dr. Christian Pean, MD, was recently featured in Becker’s ASC Review discussing the opportunities and challenges of the outpatient shift. His insights highlight Duke’s commitment to evidence-based protocols and patient-centered innovation as the field evolves.
“The shift toward outpatient orthopaedic procedures represents an exciting opportunity to improve access and efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality,” says Pean. “At Duke, we’re focused on building evidence-based protocols and leveraging innovation to ensure patients receive exceptional care in every setting.”
As outpatient orthopaedic surgery continues to grow nationwide, Duke remains committed to leading with research, collaboration, and patient-focused solutions—setting a benchmark for excellence in this new era of care.