THE PREOPERATIVE ANESTHETIC VISIT - ITS VALUE TO THE PATIENT AND THE ANESTHETIST

One hundred and thirty‐two patients staying in hospital more than 24 h were visited pre‐ and postoperatively. Patients were asked a standard set of questions, and 39% could not remember accurately what they were asked. This has important medicolegal implications. In 15% of patients, information that significantly altered subsequent anaesthetic management was discovered, but in less than 3% would ignorance of the patient's condition have required postponement of the surgery. We conclude that the major reason for a pre‐operative visit by an anaesthetist is that patients appreciate it, rather than it being medically necessary. Copyright © 1992, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved