ambulatoire

Ambulatory care, also known as soins ambulatoires, refers to medical services provided to patients who do not require admission to an overnight hospital stay. Care is delivered on a non-residential basis, with patients typically arriving for an appointment and leaving the same day. The term contrasts with inpatient care, where patients are admitted for overnight or longer.

The word ambulatoire derives from Latin ambulatorius, meaning "for walking," and in medical contexts denotes care that does not require hospitalization. In English, ambulatory care is often described as comprising primary care, specialty clinics, and outpatient procedures, all aimed at treating patients without admission.

Ambulatory care encompasses a wide range of services. These include general practitioner and specialist consultations, diagnostic tests such as imaging and laboratory work, preventive and screening services, minor surgical procedures, dental and eye care, rehabilitative therapies, and some infusion or chemotherapy administered in outpatient settings. The exact mix of services varies by health system and facility.

Organization and delivery mechanisms vary globally. Ambulatory care is provided through physician offices, community clinics, hospital outpatient departments, ambulatory surgical centers, and home-care programs. The expansion of telemedicine and home-based services has increased access and enabled remote consultation and monitoring, complementing in-person visits.

Advantages and challenges. Ambulatory care can reduce hospital admissions and lengths of stay, shorten waiting times, and lower overall costs while offering convenient access and continuity when well integrated with inpatient services. Challenges include fragmentation across providers, variable reimbursement, and the need for effective care coordination, discharge planning, and follow-up to maintain safety and quality.