Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
Pioneering Patient-Specific Approaches for Precision Surgery Using Imaging and Virtual Reality
Published on: April 5, 2024
Streamlining elective surgical pathways using early digital screening with complexity grading: feasibility study of a
Tom Langford1, Daveena Meeks2, Deirdre Anderson3
1Centre for Innovation, Transformation and Improvement, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK tom.langford1@nhs.net.
Objectives:
To evaluate the feasibility, usability and validity of a co-designed digital questionnaire for early complexity screening in elective surgery patients.
Methods:
A mixed-methods feasibility study was conducted using operational data, patient interviews and surveys.
Results:
The average time to preoperative screening decreased from 3-4 weeks to 3.4 days. Of 244 patients, 44% were eligible for fast-tracking to low-complexity surgical hubs. A nurse-led validation process correctly identified 100% of medium-complexity and high-complexity cases. Most patients (97%) completed the questionnaire without assistance.
Discussion:
The tool proved feasible and user-friendly, enabling earlier identification of complexity and streamlining patient triage. It also holds promise for reducing cancellations and facilitating timely prehabilitation.
Conclusions:
This feasibility study supports the tool's feasibility, usability and validity. Further research will assess its clinical, operational and health economic impacts within redesigned surgical pathways.