Pre-operative assessment and patient preparation - the role of the anaesthetist

Pre-operative assessment and patient preparation - the role of the anaesthetist

Please note that these guidelines are currently under review and will be updated in due course

Summary

Preparing a patient for anaesthesia requires an understanding of the patient’s pre-operative status, the nature of the surgery and the anaesthetic techniques required for surgery, as well as the risks a particular patient may face during this time. Anaesthetists are in the unique position that they can offer all of these skills, and the ultimate responsibility for pre-operative anaesthetic assessment lies with anaesthetist. These guidelines have been designed to help anaesthetists provide high quality pre-operative assessment services and patient preparation before surgery. They offer advice and information on:

  • Planned admissions
  • Unplanned admissions
  • Children and young people
  • Tests and investigations
  • The patient’s perspective