Anesthesia Alert
AA
2 4 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • A U G U S T 2 0 1 8
1. Collaborate on policy. Work together with anesthesia to create
policies and guidelines that promote and support safe practices.
Walk away from policies that are in place "because we have
always done it that way."
2. Are your pre-op nurses asking the right questions? Do your
nurses ask questions in a manner that is suited to the patient's
level of education and understanding? Do they give patients
enough time to answer questions, or do they simply instruct
patients to "stop me if anything is a yes answer?" Ask your anes-
thesia team which screening questions are important and which
ones can be nixed. In our facility, we have standard questions with
more detailed questions based on the medications a patient takes.
For example, if the patient takes 2 blood pressure medications
and a diuretic, we'll focus more on heart and blood pressure
issues in addition to overall health questions.
3. "Quick-look" assessment. If your nursing team is not sure
about a patient's history, check with anesthesia before arrival or
schedule a "quick-look" assessment. An eyes-on evaluation lets
anesthesia examine the patient and obtain patient records, previ-
ous testing or consults if needed before surgery.
4. No doctor visits? Don't assume the patient is healthy. Ask
questions about activity level, shortness of breath and other indi-
cators that could provide clarity to a patient's overall condition.
5. In the event of a cancellation. If a surgery is delayed or can-
celled, ask anesthesia to clearly define steps needed to get the
patient back on the schedule — a written plan of action. Build
5 Ways to Improve Relations
With Your Anesthesia Providers
ACTION STEPS
