Patient-Centred Preoperative Assessment

Patient-centred preoperative assessment describes an approach to preoperative assessment based on early screening and triage, optimisation of comorbidities and lifestyle, shared decision-making and multidisciplinary working. This approach tailors preoperative assessment to the individual circumstances of the patient, taking into account their comorbidities, functional status, health needs and lifestyle, and also their wishes and desired outcomes from surgical interventions (or, in some cases, the avoidance of surgery). This review outlines the components of patient-centred preoperative assessment, the relevant evidence, and practical approaches that can be used to facilitate patient-centred services.