Implementation of a Preanesthetic Telehealth Visit to Reduce Day-of-Surgery Cancellations

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of the telehealth preanesthesia clinic (PAC) is to reduce the number of day-of-surgery (DOS) cancellations through the implementation of an algorithm-based standardized protocol. DesignA prospective quality improvement project with pre and post assessment. MethodsOne hundred and fifty preoperative and postoperative surgical chart reviews using the Focus, Analyze, Develop, Execute, and Evaluate model. Retrospective chart reviews were conducted via the electronic health record to collect DOS cancellation counts along with reason for cancellation for a 6-week period prior to implementation, and a 6-week period postimplementation based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. FindingsThe implementation of a telehealth PAC using TEMPO (transition and action, evaluation and significant history, medications, procedure and condition, and overall plan) protocols resulted in a statistically significant reduction in DOS cancellations from 3.38% to 1.72%. ConclusionsPostimplementation findings support the use of a telehealth PAC to reduce DOS cancellations.