[The 'paper-based' preoperative evaluation: non-optimal health care].
A nationwide preoperative assessment guideline was introduced in the Netherlands in 1997 at the advice of the Health Council of the Netherlands. The preoperative assessment should entail an appropriate interview, a physical examination, additional tests, risk assessment and informing the patient. Dutch and several international guidelines recommend a complete assessment under the responsibility of the anaesthesiologist. In addition, Dutch law states that patients should be clearly informed about any medical procedure that is to be performed, including the possible risks and alternatives. All of the above is not possible with a paper-based assessment. A complete assessment may reduce health care costs by reducing the number of consultations by other specialists, additional tests, cancellations and length of stay. The assessment also reduces patient anxiety and improves patient satisfaction. In conclusion, a complete preoperative assessment is required by guidelines and law and does offer many advantages.
Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum, afd. Anesthesiologie en pijnbestrijding, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
A Franciscus
AF
van der Meer
R R Ruud
RR
Timmer
A E Marco
AE
Marcus
D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D012017:Referral and Consultation