[Evaluation of the off-site preanaesthetic consult in Lorraine]

To evaluate the results of Off Site preanaesthetic consult in Lorraine and to draw up a method for these pre-operative visits.

Two surveys of the Lorraine-regional practice (from both the anaesthetists and surgeons from Lorraine) and one survey of patient satisfaction.

Questionnaires were sent by mail to all anaesthetists (n=270) and surgeons (n=339) in the Lorraine region. In the immediate postoperative period, specific questionnaires were sent by mail to selected patient groups (n=73 in each group), one group having and the other (control) not having Off Site preanaesthetic consult.

Anaesthetists' survey: 48.4% of interviewed anaesthetists belonged to the pre-anaesthetic consult network. 81.2% of these anaesthetists performed Off Site pre-anaesthetic consult. The main recognized advantages were patient comfort (89.6%) and cost effectiveness (57.3%). 26.1% of anaesthetists who did not participate to the network were strongly opposed to this practice, while 60.9% were prepared to enter the network. Surgeons' survey: 15.6% of surgeons were not satisfied that anaesthetists in their institutions practiced the Off Site pre-anaesthetic consult. Patients' survey: no difference in satisfaction towards the quality of information delivered during the consultation (anaesthetic technique, analgesia and evaluation of the perioperative risk) nor in terms of perioperative anxiety. The average transportation distance spared by Off Site preanaesthetic Consult was 98 miles.

Off Site preanaesthetic consult may have real benefits in terms of, patient satisfaction, comfort and cost-effectiveness. In the Lorraine region, a majority of anaesthetists has experience with this practice.