Pre-surgical services are a vital component to providing quality healthcare. While pre-surgical services vary across healthcare providers, specialties, and procedures, many guidelines remain similar.Generally, healthcare providers will require a pre-admission appointment up to a month in advance where a healthcare provider will conduct a pre-surgical assessment, go over any specific instructions, and conduct any required testing before the procedure (3, 5). In addition to providing diagnostic testing, many healthcare providers use the opportunity for a pre-admission appointment to include pre-operative teaching and care planning to help ensure a satisfying surgical experience for the patient and patient’s family (4).
For those undergoing a surgery involving anesthesia, a medical professional will begin by taking a patient’s medical history and conduct a physical to ensure that the patient may undergo the procedure safely (1). Prior to the procedure, patients will be given the appropriate information regarding the procedure, including any special instructions regarding intake of food and liquids. Patients will also receive instructions on any necessary medications pre- and post-operation. In some instances, the anesthesiologist will consult with patients prior to the day of the procedure. Anesthesia providers will “review your health history, medications, allergies and past experiences with anesthesia, and recommend the best plan for your care” (1).
Communication between physicians and patients prior to surgery is important in ensuring a safe and positive surgical experience for patients. Many patients prior to undergoing surgery may be concerned about the risks associated with anesthesia. While the overall risk of anesthesia-related complications is extremely low, it is the responsibility of the healthcare professionals to assess the risks of the procedure and anesthesia services, decide on the optimal procedure to minimize any possible risks, and communicate and consult with the patient throughout the process (1). Additionally, there are many other factors to consider during any pre-surgical meetings. For example, patients should know that they should always inform their physician if there are any changes to their health, such as a cold, that might impact surgical care so that the healthcare team can decide whether there needs to be any changes to the procedure. According to a study published by The Journal of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, “a communication gap already exists between patients and physicians on the topic of [complementary and alternative medicine]”, indicating that anesthesiologists and other physicians must continue to work on improving communication during pre-surgical care (2).
To improve a patient’s surgical experience, physicians can work on clearly communicating information regarding the surgery, including the diagnosis, surgical process, and anesthesia to patients during any pre-surgical appointments (7). A study shows that patients who report more knowledge of the surgical procedure and anesthesia also had lower pre-procedural anxiety levels. Physicians can also find “reliable, valid information on patient pre-surgical risk factors, process of care during surgery, and 30-day morbidity and mortality rates […] for all major surgical procedures,” which can help physicians assess risk of surgery (6). All healthcare professionals involved in surgery should stay up to date on any research regarding pre-surgical services in order to provide quality care and ensure the best outcomes.
For those undergoing a surgery involving anesthesia, a medical professional will begin by taking a patient’s medical history and conduct a physical to ensure that the patient may undergo the procedure safely (1). Prior to the procedure, patients will be given the appropriate information regarding the procedure, including any special instructions regarding intake of food and liquids. Patients will also receive instructions on any necessary medications pre- and post-operation. In some instances, the anesthesiologist will consult with patients prior to the day of the procedure. Anesthesia providers will “review your health history, medications, allergies and past experiences with anesthesia, and recommend the best plan for your care” (1).
Communication between physicians and patients prior to surgery is important in ensuring a safe and positive surgical experience for patients. Many patients prior to undergoing surgery may be concerned about the risks associated with anesthesia. While the overall risk of anesthesia-related complications is extremely low, it is the responsibility of the healthcare professionals to assess the risks of the procedure and anesthesia services, decide on the optimal procedure to minimize any possible risks, and communicate and consult with the patient throughout the process (1). Additionally, there are many other factors to consider during any pre-surgical meetings. For example, patients should know that they should always inform their physician if there are any changes to their health, such as a cold, that might impact surgical care so that the healthcare team can decide whether there needs to be any changes to the procedure. According to a study published by The Journal of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, “a communication gap already exists between patients and physicians on the topic of [complementary and alternative medicine]”, indicating that anesthesiologists and other physicians must continue to work on improving communication during pre-surgical care (2).
To improve a patient’s surgical experience, physicians can work on clearly communicating information regarding the surgery, including the diagnosis, surgical process, and anesthesia to patients during any pre-surgical appointments (7). A study shows that patients who report more knowledge of the surgical procedure and anesthesia also had lower pre-procedural anxiety levels. Physicians can also find “reliable, valid information on patient pre-surgical risk factors, process of care during surgery, and 30-day morbidity and mortality rates […] for all major surgical procedures,” which can help physicians assess risk of surgery (6). All healthcare professionals involved in surgery should stay up to date on any research regarding pre-surgical services in order to provide quality care and ensure the best outcomes.
