If the peri-operative patient pathway was right, what would it look like?

Patients undergoing surgery deserve the best possible peri-operative outcomes. Each stage of the peri-operative patient journey offers opportunities to improve care delivery, with shorter lengths of stay, less complications, reduced costs and better value.

These opportunities were identified through narrative review of the literature, with consultation and consensus at the hidden pandemic (of postoperative complications) summit 2, July 2023 in Adelaide, Australia RESULTS: Before surgery: Some patients who receive timely alternative treatments may not need surgery at all. The period of waiting after listing should be a time of preparation. Risk assessment at the time of surgical listing facilitates recognition of need for comorbidity optimisation and identifies those who will most benefit from prehabilitation, particularly frail and deconditioned patients.

During the surgical admission, ERAS programs result in less postoperative complications, shorter length of stay and better patient experience but require agreement between clinicians, and coordinated monitoring of delivery of the elements in the ERAS bundle of care.

At-risk patients need to have the appropriate levels of monitoring for cardiovascular instability, renal impairment or respiratory dysfunction, to facilitate timely, proactive management if they develop. Access to allied health in the early postoperative period is also critical for promoting mobility, and earlier discharge, particularly after joint surgery. Where appropriate, provision of rehabilitation services at home improves patient experience and adds value. The peri-operative patient journey begins and ends with primary care so there is a need for clear communication, documentation, around sharing of responsibility between practitioners at each stage.

Identifying and mitigating risk to reduce complications and length of stay in hospital will improve outcomes for patients and deliver the best value for the health system.