ABSTRACT
Some patients will also have been seen in a preoperative clinic, by either a specialist nurse or an anaesthetist, and had investigations and optimisation of medical conditions. The aims of anaesthetist preoperative visit are: to take a history and examination; to order or check relevant investigations; and to ensure that the patient understands the anaesthetic plan and still consents to surgery. These also include to answer any questions and attend to the emotional needs of anaesthetist's patient and to ensure availability of cross-matched blood and critical care beds, if required. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has produced guidance for ordering preoperative investigations. This prevents unnecessary investigations being ordered and prevents delaying surgery because the correct ones haven't been done. Patients who have been to the preoperative assessment clinic should have had the necessary investigations ordered and checked.
