Reducing Unnecessary Preoperative Testing in Elective Ent Surgery: Clinical and Financial Implications

Guidelines on appropriate preoperative testing in elective surgery were published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in 2003. However, compliance has been poor, with frequent unnecessary tests being performed. We aimed to assess our trust's guideline compliance and...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of perioperative practice 2015-11, Vol.25 (11), p.225-229
Main Authors: Leung, BC, Nazeer, S, Smith, M, McRae, D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Elective surgery
Elective Surgical Procedures - economics
Elective Surgical Procedures - utilization
Humans
Nursing
Otolaryngology - organization & administration
Preoperative Care
Surgery
United Kingdom
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Summary:Guidelines on appropriate preoperative testing in elective surgery were published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in 2003. However, compliance has been poor, with frequent unnecessary tests being performed. We aimed to assess our trust's guideline compliance and to implement changes to optimise adherence. Preoperative investigations performed for elective ENT surgery during a three-month period were retrospectively audited. Unnecessary investigations were identified and costs calculated. A staff-training program was implemented and targeted written information was provided for clinics. A second audit cycle was conducted subsequently. Overall, 69.2% of blood tests were unnecessary (FBC 44.9%, U&Es 63.5%, clotting 99.2%), which equated to £1955.77 with an annual estimate of £7,823.08. None of the test results affected the management of the patient. Post-intervention, full compliance was achieved. It was concluded that preoperative investigations are overused in elective surgery, with obvious financial implications and causing unnecessary anxiety to patients. Through basic training and guideline dissemination, complete compliance can be achieved.
ISSN:1750-4589
2515-7949
DOI:10.1177/175045891502501103