Pre‐anaesthesia assessment clinics

Evaluation of the utilization of the preanaesthetic clinics in a University teaching hospital

“…Despite clear advantages, there have been controversies regarding the establishment and utility of these clinics [ 14 ]. The major dissident view is that in many settings it is impossible to spare anaesthetic staff exclusively for these clinics due to shortage of both material and human resources [ 15 ]. In a developing country such as ours, establishing exclusive anaesthesia clinics may be defied by cost factor.…”

Pre‐operative assessment clinics – the last word

“…I have followed with interest the recent correspondence regarding pre‐anaesthetic assessment clinics [1–5], which discusses many of the merits and pitfalls of such a system. Within this discussion, however, I feel that one important aspect requires greater emphasis.…”

‘For the times they are a‐changing’– or are they?

“…This raises the question of what other changes in practice seem to be aimed at improved patient care yet continue to have vehement advocates and opponents? Within the correspondence column of this issue are three letters pertaining to pre‐assessment clinics [3–5]. On the surface, the concept of having a clinic at which the anaesthetist can assess patients is desirable.…”

“…Even accepting the proposed benefits or disadvantages for the patient of such a pre‐assessment clinic, it is so often money that plays a part in any such development. As Dr Davies [5] points out, whenever we look at new ideas, that often originate from overseas, we have to look at them within the context of the differing healthcare systems. Clearly, if such clinics reduce the cost of out‐of‐hours work as in Australia (where such is charged at a premium), it is much easier to justify the financial costs involved in the establishment of such clinics.…”