ISSN:
1365-2044
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Pre-operative optimisation of high-risk patients undergoing major elective surgery has been shown to decrease peri-operative morbidity and mortality. It is also cost effective because of the resulting decrease in postoperative complications. A questionnaire was sent to 170 intensive care and high dependency units in Britain in order to quantify the number of units practising pre-operative optimisation. There was a 91% response rate. Of the respondents familiar with the evidence advocating pre-operative optimisation, 91% believe pre-operative optimisation improves outcome but only 62% admit patients for such preparation. Moreover, only eight units (6%) admit more than 25% of eligible patients. The reasons given for not admitting such patients pre-operatively are a lack of manpower, beds or both. This survey demonstrates the need for greater investment of resources into intensive care and high dependency units, so that clinicians can deliver high-quality evidence-based healthcare in accordance with the principles of clinical governance.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2044.2001.01974.x
