Reducing unnecessary preoperative testing

What you need to knowRoutine preoperative tests (such as electrocardiograms and blood tests) before low risk surgery do not prevent adverse events during or after surgeryUnnecessary testing is costly and can lead to other potentially unnecessary specialty consultations and invasive testsChoosing Wisely and NICE guidelines provide multi-specialty recommendations to support the avoidance of unnecessary preoperative testingOver-testing is rooted in the general misconception that medical screening cannot be harmfulInterventions shown to reduce unnecessary preoperative testing include local practice guidelines, clinician education, and audit and feedbackPreoperative evaluation is a component of risk stratification and mitigation for patients undergoing surgery. These evaluations include comprehensive histories, directed physical exams, and selected preoperative diagnostic testing. However, most people who undergo low risk surgeries do not need any preoperative tests. Routine and unnecessary use of preoperative tests is harmful to patients and can lead to unnecessary specialty consultations, invasive diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, delays in surgery,…
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