Evaluation of a case management model for preanesthesia screening

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Pediatric Surgery
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Case management (CM) is a healthcare model aimed at reducing costs and improving patient outcomes.
• Effective coordination of care is crucial for pediatric surgical patients, especially those undergoing ambulatory surgery or same-day admissions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate a case management (CM) preoperative screening program for pediatric surgical patients.
• To assess the program's impact on preoperative delays, patient/family stress, and preparedness for surgery and discharge.

Main Methods:

• Development of a preoperative screening program within a case management (CM) framework.
• Application of the program to pediatric patients scheduled for ambulatory surgery or admission at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.

Main Results:

• Participating pediatric patients and families reported fewer preoperative delays.
• Families in the program experienced reduced stress and felt better prepared for surgery and discharge.
• The CM preanesthesia screening program effectively reduced delays due to incomplete workups.

Conclusions:

• The case management (CM) preanesthesia screening program is effective in improving the preparedness of families for pediatric surgery.
• The program contributes to smoother surgical processes by reducing delays and enhancing patient/family readiness.
• Implementing CM frameworks can optimize care coordination and outcomes in pediatric surgical settings.