Vorbereitung auf elektive Eingriffe - Spektrum und Verbreitung somatischer und psychologischer Maßnahmen in Deutschland

Translated title of the contribution: Preparatory work for elective surgery - Spectrum and incidence of somatic and psychological procedures in Germany

A. Roth-Isigkeit*, J. Schwarzenberger, J. Brechmann, H. Gehring, K. F. Klotz, P. Schmucker

*Corresponding author for this work
3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Introduction: The positive effects of preoperative preparation on postoperative recovery in patients undergoing elective surgery have been demonstrated. On that account, we surveyed the practice procedures of preoperative preparation for elective surgery patients at German hospitals. Methods: During November 1994, we sent 1500 questionnaires to the directors of anaesthesiology departments in Germany. A total of 590 questionnaires (39.3%) were completed and returned. The participating hospitals range in size from 20 to 2600 beds (mean = 364; s = 334,97), totalling together more than 1.7 million surgical operations per year. Results: The surveyed hospitals used one or more of the following procedures for pre-operative preparation: 573 (98.6%) of the replying hospitals used medical anxiolysis, 415 (71.3%) applicated preoperative respiratory therapy. Furthermore, 222 (38.5%) of the studied hospitals trained their patients in postoperative relevant behaviour (respiratory therapy n = 167; physiotherapy n = 63 and patient controlled analgesia n = 41). 74 (13%) offered psychological counselling, 29 (5%) made use of other psychological techniques (muscle relaxation; autogenic training, biofeedback) and 26 (4%) used other preparatory methods like video tapes (n = 13), music (n = 5), acupuncture (n = 4). Discussion: Nearly all hospitals prepared their patients for surgery with a pre-op visit and anxiolytic medications. Further preparatory methods in most surveyed hospitals are only used on a case-by-case basis. At present psychological methods of preoperative preparation are not routinely used in clinical practice in Germany. Conclusions: Existing possibilities for optimising preoperative preparation inpatients undergoing elective surgery are not used regularly. Preoperative preparation needs to be improved, especially in patients undergoing major surgery. Standardisation of management procedures and integration of several professional groups and regular application of known procedures for preoperative preparation may lead to cost-saving optimisation of the duration of hospital stay.

Translated title of the contributionPreparatory work for elective surgery - Spectrum and incidence of somatic and psychological procedures in Germany
Original languageGerman
JournalAnasthesiologie Intensivmedizin Notfallmedizin Schmerztherapie
Volume32
Issue number11
Pages (from-to)654-658
Number of pages5
ISSN0939-2661
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 11.1997

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