PS07 Guidelines on Pre-Anaesthesia Consultation and Patient Preparation

Abstract

Adequate pre-anaesthesia consultation has been identified as an important factor in patient safety. The terms “pre-anaesthesia consultation” and “anaesthesia” in this document refer not only to situations pertinent to the administration of general anaesthesia but also includes those related to regional anaesthesia/analgesia and sedation. Consultation with a patient prior to anaesthesia by an anaesthetist or a medical practitioner whose scope of practice includes anaesthesia is essential (see PS57 Statement on the Duties of an Anaesthetist, PS59 Statement on Roles in Anaesthesia and Perioperative Care, and Good Medical Practice: A Code of Conduct for Doctors in Australia1 ). “Consultation” differs from “assessment” in that an assessment (medical or nursing) contributes to the establishment of the health status of a patient at a particular point in time whereas consultation (medical) involves an assessment as part of a broader process that also includes: 1.1 ensuring that the patient’s state of health has been optimised 1.2 preparing a plan of perioperative management 1.3 allowing discussion with the patient and/or guardian 1.4 obtaining informed consent for the anaesthesia and related procedures. Anaesthetists and medical practitioners undertaking to provide anaesthesia should be familiar with the principles outlined in the Medical Board of Australia’s Good Medical Practice: A Code of Conduct for Doctors in Australia1 and the New Zealand Medical Council’s Good Medical Practice2 . There must also be an awareness of patient autonomy and patients’ rights to privacy as set out by the Privacy Act 1993 (NZ) 3 , the Privacy Act 1998 (Cth)4 and the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000 (Cth) 5 . Supporting Anaesthetists’ Professionalism and Performance: A Guide for Clinicians, and PS26 Guidelines on Consent for Anaesthesia or Sedation). These requirements are also reflected in the New Zealand Code of Health and Disability Consumers’ Rights6 issued by the New Zealand Health and Disability Commissioner, and the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights7 (endorsed July 2008).