Pre-Anaesthesia Consultation
This section covers the ANZCA guidelines for pre-anaesthetic assessment. Performance of the assessment is covered elsewhere.
Pre-anaesthetic consultation is a broad process which aims to:
- Ensure patients state of health has been optimised
- Prepare a plan for perioperative management
- Allow discussion with patient or guardian
- Obtain informed consent for anaesthesia
General Principles:
- Process will vary depending on environment
- Questionnaires may be used to supplement the consultation
- Time of consultation must be adequate to allow optimisation prior to surgery, and account for:
- Patient comorbididty
- Major surgery
- Specific concerns
Requirements:
- Identification of the anaesthetist
- Conformation of the patients identity, procedure, side, and site
- Medical assessment of the patient
- Review of previous records
- Provision of information regarding:
- What will occur
- Pain management plan
- Potential complications
- Potential risks