Perioperative Safety: Improving Perioperative and Anesthesia Assessment to Reduce Day of Surgery Cancellations and Reduce Postoperative Complications

A multidisciplinary perioperative safety team was formed focused on improving perioperative assessment, testing and clearance process of patients. The team reviewed the medical evidence, attended perioperative conferences and consulted experts in the field. A perioperative testing grid was implemented reducing cancelled surgeries by 38 percent. Cardiac and medical optimization forms were implemented resulting in improved compliance from 78 percent to 87 percent. Overall day of surgery cancellations were reduced.

This case study is part of the Illinois Hospital Association's annual quality awards. Each year, IHA recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Illinois hospitals in continually improving and transforming health care in the state. These hospitals are improving health by striving to achieve the Triple Aim--improving the patient experience of care (including quality and satisfaction); improving the health of populations; and reducing the per capita cost of health care.

Award recipients achieve measurable and meaningful progress in providing care that is:

• Safe
• Timely
• Effective
• Efficient
• Equitable
• Patient-centered

(The Institute of Medicine's six aims for improvement.)