The preoperative and postoperative assessment and care of patients with back pain

Changing health care regulations and funding have led healthcare providers to develop new ways of providing care for patients who have back pain, while consuming fewer hospital resources. As no consensus exists for a transcendent model of preoperative and postoperative assessment and care, clinicians must define their objectives clearly for effective patient care. These include, but are not limited to, acquiring pertinent medical information, consultations, and laboratory testing necessary to assess perioperative risk; optimizing the patient's condition and developing an appropriate perioperative care plan; and educating the patient about intraoperative care and postoperative management to reduce preoperative anxiety. Clinical circumstances and specific tests for patients who have back pain meet the criteria for good screening opportunities and should be used effectively for pre- and postoperative care.