[How to establish an preoperative anaesthetic clinic]

The preoperative anaesthetic clinic has established at large german hospital since 1980 because of shorter ways, waiting times and best preoperative risk-management. Now there is an increasing need for the preoperative anaesthetic clinic in all german hospitals because of the introduction of DRGs for hospital billing since 2003. Organization, leadership, equipment and aspects of the personnel are discussed. Tasks of a "anaesthetic management center" can be fulfilled by the preoperative anaesthetic clinic like OP-organization, distribution of intensive care units, implementation of clinical pathways and quality management. Thus requires an adequate equipment and personnel. An model of rotation for the physician personnel is introduced. Cooperation of the OP departments is necessary. At least our preoperative anaesthetic day clinic has become an logistic centre and an speaking point for patients and the OP-department.