Authors' objectives: The objective of this report is to review the important issues relating to preoperative testing, provide an overview of the most significant studies published on the subject, examine the cost implications of unnecessary testing, and examine strategies to optimize preoperative testing. This paper is not intended to be a comprehensive systematic literature review because good reviews have already been done. However, these reviews are lengthy, complex, and time-consuming to read. This report is a synopsis of the findings from some of the major health technology assessments and systematic reviews on preoperative testing published during the last two decades. The implications of these results for Alberta are discussed in order to assist decision-makers in efforts to revise institutional preoperative testing routines.

Authors' methods: Review

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2007

URL for published report: http://www.ihe.ca/advanced-search/routine-preoperative-tests-are-they-necessary-

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Institute of Health Economics

Contact Address: 1200, 10405 – Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5J 3N4, Canada. Tel: +1 780 448 4881 Fax: +1 780 448 0018

Contact Name: info@ihe.ca

Contact Email: info@ihe.ca

Copyright: Institute of Health Economics (IHE)