Original Title: Evaluación preoperatoria paciente sano asintomático

Authors' objectives: To design a document which would scientifically support decision making and a protocol of recommendations which would make medical criteria available to doctors in order for them to carry out preoperative assessment of healthy/asymptomatic patients who are under going elective surgery. Other: Expert Panel to make a Consensus Statement. Report by expert lawyer.

Authors' results and conclusions: In healthy/asymptomatic patients (ASA I) it is recommended the the medical record is studied aand there is an individualized physical examination, along with certain tests depending upon health condition, age and sex. The request for other complementary test is not justified unless it is to investigate possible findings suspected from the previous assessment. The validity of the resultts will stand for one year if there are no pathological processes in the meantime. All patients who are to undergo surgery must be seen by the anaesthesiologist in the examination ten days before surgery, in order to minimize periopeerative risk. Application of this protocol would bring about a reduction in unnecessary tests, many of which are harmful, for about 29,25% of the patients undergoing surgery each year, a substantial improvement in the quality of care provided, a reduction of the corresponding social burden and considerablle release of funds towars other priorities. The additional tests, routine or resulting from findings from the Clinical Record or from the examination, will not provide legal medical protection against the responsibility.

Authors' methods: Researh in Medline and Health Plan and analysis of the bibliography publishedd between 1976 and 1994. The putting together of a work dossier including selected articles, along with reports carrieed out by other Assessment Agencies. The forming of a panel of experts. The selection and election of members was based upon experience, professional competence, scientific prestige, leadership and influence in the health field. Encompassing the specialties involved (Anaesthesiology, Surgery, Cardiology, Family and Community Medicine, Civil Law). The issue of a report concerning the legal medical repercussons of the implementation of the recommended protocol. A cost-benefit calculation of the setting up of the recommended protocol according to the various application hypotheses.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 1994

URL for published report: https://www.euskadi.eus/contenidos/informacion/1994_osteba_publicacion/es_def/adjuntos/1994/d_94_04_evaluacion_preoperatoria.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Spain

Organisation Name: Basque Office for Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: C/ Donostia – San Sebastián, 1 (Edificio Lakua II, 4ª planta) 01010 Vitoria - Gasteiz

Contact Name: Lorea Galnares-Cordero

Contact Email: lgalnares@bioef.eus

Copyright: <p>Osteba (Basque Office for Health Technology Assessment) Health Department of the Basque Government</p>