Our role includes assessing you before your operation and looking after you during and immediately after surgery. Before your operation, you’ll be screened, have any investigations you need, and we can speak to you about your surgery and anesthetic. This may involve:

Tips

1. Share Patient’s Worries :

   Let the patient bring his family members or friends on pre-op appointment so they both can understand the anesthesia process before and after the surgery. Patients look to anesthetist’s doctors to allay their fears. Answers their questions and concerns fully and candidly and offer them reassurance. If the patient is worried and the medical condition permits, encourage use of relaxation techniques like breathing exercises, meditation or muscle relaxation, or massages to address anxiety. If all else fails and if the situation warrants it (and with the approval of the physician anesthesiologist), consider prescribing a presurgical sedative.

2. Meet the Anesthesiologist :

   If patients express concerns to meet their anesthesiologist facilitate a meeting directly with the concerned anesthesiologist so the patient can learn more about the anesthesia that will be administered, as well as post-op care. Many anesthesiologists are able to talk to patients in advance of the surgery or procedure. If your patient does not meet the physician anesthesiologist in advance, explain that there will be an opportunity to ask the anesthesiologist questions prior to the surgery. This visit may take place in the hospital if the patient is already admitted, in a preoperative area on the day of surgery, or even over the phone. Your patient will have a much better experience on the day of surgery with an understanding of what will happen.

3. Be honest to the Patient :

   In the kindest way, tell your patient that their safety is predicated on full disclosure. While anesthesia is the safest it has ever been, encourage your patient to be forthcoming with the physician anesthesiologist about all prescription and over-the-counter medications currently being taken, such as aspirin, Ibuprofen, antacids, supplements, herbs, or vitamins. Make sure to add that many people may not think to mention that they are taking supplements (or may desire to be less than forthcoming), but it is important to bring a list of all medications. While you will be communicating directly with your colleagues on the medical team, it is worth reminding your patients to also bring a list of medical problems, including preexisting conditions and addictions, as well as past surgeries. Ensure that both you and your patient report any complications with previous surgeries or anesthesia. With this information, the physician anesthesiologist can ensure that the patient can safely undergo the procedure. In addition, many patients find the double-reporting to be reassuring.

4. Dissemination of Information :

   Cancellations and postponements are often driven by a lack of information. Provide pre- and post-surgical instructions verbally and in writing, and instruct your office to go over these as often as necessary, with as much patience and empathy as they can muster. Encourage your patients to follow instructions regarding medications, when to stop eating and drinking, and whether a shower is required, with an antibacterial soap or a special wash, the night before and/or the morning of the surgery.

5. Patients Planning :

   Out of fear or simply from lack of knowledge, some patients are unaware of potential post-surgical side effects. You can help by reminding your patient to arrange care for any dependents such as small children and make arrangements for someone to drive them home if hospital admission will not be required after the surgery. Thorough planning will enhance the likelihood that the anxious patient will not find last-minute “reasons” to cancel. Finally, work closely with the anesthesiologist to ensure that the patient is aware of which medicines to resume and which new medications should be started. And include the designated friend or partner! The adult accompanying the patient home should be present to listen to these instructions as your patient’s recall may be poor as a result of residual effects of medications.