In 1981, approximately what percentage of all surgeries were performed in hospitals on an inpatient basis?

• A. 81 percent
• B. 60 percent
• C. 50 percent
• D. 25 percent

Answer: (A)

The value being tested is how healthcare practice shifted from inpatient to outpatient settings over time. In 1981, the vast majority of surgeries were still performed in hospitals with patients staying as inpatients, because ambulatory surgery centers were not yet widespread and hospitals provided the full resources needed for postoperative care and monitoring. That’s why about 81 percent of all surgeries were done on an inpatient basis.

The other numbers would imply a much larger role for outpatient (ambulatory) care than existed at the time, which isn’t consistent with the historical pattern in 1981.