Methods of hospitalization

Depending on the pathology, the general state of health, and the scheduled treatments, patients may spend a few hours to a few days in the hospital. There is a specific type of treatment for each type of hospitalization.

Full hospitalization

This refers to stays of several days in the hospital. Some surgical procedures require postoperative monitoring for more than one day. The patient is admitted either the day before the operation or the same day (this is called a “day zero” hospitalization) and is discharged once the doctors have ensured that his or her recovery is on track.

"Day zero" hospitalization

This is when the patient is hospitalized the day of the surgery. The patient must prepare for the procedure at home. They receive all the necessary information before the procedure. They may not be admitted to their room at this time, but they will be admitted post-operatively. The patient then remains in the hospital for several days.

Outpatient surgical hospitalization

Some procedures do not require the patient to be hospitalized for more than one day. The patient arrives at the hospital and leaves the same day, after assessment by nurses and medical validation.

This type of hospitalization is often very comfortable for the patient, who appreciates being able to return home that evening. Of course, this option is only offered to patients who meet certain criteria. The healthcare team ensures in particular that the patient will not remain alone at home after the procedure, in particular following general anesthesia. In the event of complications, the patient can be transferred to conventional hospitalization. The outpatient unit at Institut Curie now has 10 beds.

Day hospitalization

Many treatments can be administered at the hospital with no need for the patient to stay several days. This is often the case for chemotherapy or radiotherapy, for example. The patient is given an appointment. Once the treatment is completed, the patient can go straight home.

Support other than treatment administrations can be carried out over a few hours. This makes it possible to organize several consecutive appointments to carry out a diagnosis, for example, or a more complete evaluation. This day hospitalization is coordinated by a practitioner, and most often involves at least 3 staff members.

Each of these modes of hospitalization requires specific procedures and approaches. The care team at Institut Curie will guide you and help you prepare.