Luces y sombras de la cirugía en horario extendido

Introduction. Currently, approximately 160 million surgical procedures are performed during conventional operating hours. However, the existing capacity is insufficient to ensure the desired universal health coverage. Extended-hours surgery is being considered as a potential solution to increase access to care. Despite this, its implementation is inconsistent and controversial, lacking both regulatory guidelines and supporting evidence. Therefore, the objective of this article was to evaluate the perceptions of the various stakeholders involved. Methods. An exploratory qualitative study was conducted, using a phenomenological approach, through semistructured interviews with various stakeholders identified in the interventions. Inductive coding and content analysis were performed to derive meaning. Results. Thirty-nine interviews were conducted, distributed across the four groups of stakeholders. Unique codes, categories, and subcategories were established with the help of frequency analysis, co-occurrence analysis, and relationships derived from experiences shared during the interviews. Conclusions. There are common elements mentioned by the stakeholders that reveal internal negotiation mechanisms used to ensure participation in the programs. Similarly, objections are raised regarding potential complications and economic factors that are subject to negotiation.