Preoperative assessment of the surgical patient

Nurses play an important role in the preassessment of surgical patients. With the rise in free-standing surgical clinics and the move of many surgical procedures to office-based surgical clinics, quality patient care could be compromised. Preassessment of surgical patients in office-based and hospital clinics ensures quality patient care from the moment patients enter the office to when they are discharged from care. The process of preoperative evaluation is essential in assessing the medical condition of patients, evaluating their overall health status, determining risk factors, and educating them. Surgical preassessment benefits patients, physicians, and nurses by not only improving surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction but also ensuring patient safety. Nurses employed in office-based surgical suites require specialized knowledge and clinical skills to offer continued, well-informed care to their patients.