Multimodal multidisciplinary standardization of perioperative care: still a long way to go.
OBJECTIVE
The complexity of the perioperative care process has resulted in a suboptimal use of resources, quality problems and a relatively high incidence of errors. In an attempt to optimize resources, patient safety, and quality, multimodal, multidisciplinary standardization of the care process has become an increasingly recognized goal.


RESULTS
The anaesthesiologist as perioperative clinician plays a pivotal role in the development and implementation of standardized perioperative care. Historically, however, a significant portion of perioperative care has relied upon anecdotal information that represents an amalgam of any individual anaesthesiologist's collective influences and experiences. Current status of standardized perioperative care and different factors that influence successful implementation of guidelines, fast track surgery programs and clinical pathways are described.


CONCLUSIONS
Although recent literature indicates that standardization of perioperative care improves efficiency, quality, and patient satisfaction, implementation of standardized care is difficult since resistance is still enormous.
Klein
Jan
J
Department of Anesthesiology, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands. j.klein@erasmusmc.nl
D000776:Anesthesiology / Q000592:standards*; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D019091:Critical Pathways; D006801:Humans; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000592:standards*; D010819:Physician's Role; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative