What steps can you take to ensure patients are prepared for surgery?

A recent addition to the lexicon is "prehabilitation". It's shocking that patients show up for surgery still smoking, drinking, unexercised, & overweight. Often basic medication discipline is not in place. Diabetes, anti-coag. & hypertension is often uncontrolled. These are ALL simple things to get ahead of before a procedure, & often neglected. Basic responsibility ASSIGNMENT to the patient on fundamentals can dramatically improve outcomes. Samsung examined cardiac surgery outcomes comparing a group that was prompted and tracked - using a wearable - toward basics like sleep hygiene, nutrition, daily steps, alcohol and tobacco removal and medication guidance. The prepped cohort had a 27% lower readmission rate after surgery at 90d.

“Humanizing” the experience for cancer patients facing surgery, we’re focusing on recognizing and honoring their journey beyond the clinical aspects of treatment. It’s about seeing each patient as a whole person, with a life filled with dreams, relationships, fears, and hopes, not just a case. They need not only top-notch medical care but also a compassionate approach. Creating a humanized care environment means actively listening to their concerns and wishes. It’s about ensuring they feel seen, heard, and valued, making space for their stories and emotions. This approach involves building a partnership where the patient’s voice guides the decisions about their care, acknowledging the profound impact of surgery on their life and identity.

We do this already at Beacon Hospital for joint replacement surgery patients # beaconhospital Getting into a healthy body habit before surgery improves outcomes, recovery and lower surgical risk Makes so much sense

Prehabilitation should be a standard perioperative step. Increasing baseline health and resilience prior to surgery is essential. Let’s also not forget improving mental resilience preoperatively through empowerment and informed consent.

Preparation and an advocate. Someone who will take care of all the things (paperwork), notifications, medications and the patients and families needs. There are professionals who are Advocates. It would be advantageous if they knew the family history and their desires in advance.

Healthcare professionals must provide patients with the correct information and support before, during, and after surgery. The surgery experience can be very stressful for some people, and having the proper knowledge beforehand can significantly ease their anxiety. It's also crucial for patients to have the opportunity to ask questions and seek a second opinion, as this can help them feel more comfortable with the procedure. Patients are very appreciative when healthcare professionals take the time to explain everything to them and answer all of their questions. This level of care and attention can make a significant difference in the overall experience for the patient.

Ensuring they understand what they are about to do and what they’re going to be experiencing during the process. Allow for any and all questions to be asked and always be upfront about everything

Primary care teams can play a key role in preparing patients for surgery. In the case of planned surgery, the waiting time is an opportunity for pre-surgical health optimisation. For example, smoking cessation, diabetes control and losing weight are important steps to reduce the risks of complications during and after surgery.

collect feedback from the patient and their family or caregivers, and measure the results against the goals and expectations. You should also identify any areas for improvement, such as communication, coordination, education, or engagemen

Surgery is one of the most anxiety provoking things we can go through. Even when people are choosing an elective surgery to improve their quality of life, they are almost always faced with some level of fear before going under the knife. While there is no way to eliminate all anxiety around surgery (I’d be worried if someone had none), it is possible to manage it. If you’re not already doing it, begin practicing mindfulness. You only need to spend a few minutes a day to begin to reap the rewards. Anxiety is primarily caused by the fear of what hasn’t happened yet, or the fear of what may have happened in the past. Mindfulness not only keeps you in the present but it also quiets the parts of your brain where your anxiety is generated.

In my experience, anticipatory guidance is one of the best techniques to allay a patient’s anxiety. Anxiety is fear of the unknown. Educate the patient and family and answer all of their questions as best you can and you will eliminate a significant amount of anxiety.

Remember to tailor the education process to each patient's individual needs and learning style. Be patient, empathetic, and available to answer any further questions or concerns that may arise.

Tener un protocolo de admisión y preparación perioperatoria, que garantice que las herramientas clínicas y administrativas se encuentran coordinadas. La mayoría de los retrasos para inicio de cirugía a tiempo suelen ser administrativos, sin embargo, un protocolo bien definido que involucre al área administrativa (recepcionista, trabajador social), enfermería y médicos puede eficientar los tiempos muertos entre cada cirugía y optimizar la atención que cada paciente reciba, teniendo unas dos horas o según defina la institución de ingreso hasta su preparación adecuada.

BE sure to listen to patients one on one. Give them time to express THEIR concerns to you in private. L-I-S-T-E-N very carefully... Do not let your attention stray. They may need a listener who pays attention.