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Pre-assessment clinics allow for the assessment of patients preoperatively before admission to hospital. Many benefits have been identified which include;
• Allowing patients adequate notice of admission,
• Medical problems affecting surgery can be identified quickly,
• Investigations and documentation can be collected in good time,
• Beds are released and so can be used more effectively,
• Reduction in the length of stay for patients,
• Non attenders identified early and replaced,
• Patients have the opportunity to ask questions prior to admission,
• Reduction in paperwork for ward Nursing staff.
The impact of the clinics on the inpatient service is remarkable with length of stay for many ENT procedures reduced to 24 hours. In addition, by the time patients are admitted they now are much more aware of why they are coming into hospital and what treatment they will receive while there.
Mary is active within the Pre-assessment “Clinical Community” in Lanarkshire. This is a forum that brings similar specialities together from all the sites in Lanarkshire to develop common protocols and approaches. Most recently Ranitidine PGD and fasting policy have been the focus of attention.
This is very much a Nurse Led service from assessment, ordering investigations to arranging theatre dates. If you would like to know more visit the Downloads page for Protocols, documentation and much more.
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