THE PRE-ASSESSMENT CLINIC AND THE ROLE OF THE PRE-ASSESSMENT NURSE

GENERAL AIMS OF PRE-ASSESSMENT

Pre-assessment is a service provided by some health care Trusts to patients waiting for elective surgical procedures. Its purpose is to enable health care staff to prepare patients both physically and psychologically for their forthcoming admission. By carrying out a full assessment of each individual, staff are equipped with the necessary information to identify any problems or needs likely to arise and thus deal with them prior to admission.

The pre-assessment of vascular patients is absolutely vital, as very often these patients present with co-morbidity, which place them in a high-risk category for anaesthesia. A close liaison between the pre-assessment staff and anaesthetic department is therefore essential in order to prevent last minute cancellation of these patients. This can be achieved in the following ways:

• The provision of health education may help to achieve the optimum level of fitness needed prior to surgery.

• Patients may be offered the opportunity for referral to appropriate services, such as smoking cessation, dietetics and vascular nurse specialists.

• Leaflets on health issues, such as dirt and alcohol intake, exercise tolerance and blood sugar control, can also be offered.

ROLE OF THE PRE-ASSESSMENT NURSE

The role of the pre-assessment nurse is to ensure that the aims of pre-assessment are met fully and that safe preparation of the patient for elective surgery takes place. Pre-operative assessment offers an opportunity to enhance the nursing role.