Reducing Low-Value Preoperative Investigations in Patients Undergoing Low Risk Surgery

A multi-component approach will be used:1) An administrative change will be implemented whereby medically necessary preoperative tests for patients undergoing non-urgent surgery will be ordered at the discretion of an anesthesiologist based on their clinical assessment. Adoption of the policy change will be facilitated by a local champion using an engagement and education program for anesthesiologists, surgeons, pre-admission clinic nurses and administrative staff; 2) The workshop program will include rationale for the policy, discussion of perceived local barriers to implementation and mitigation strategies. A train-the-trainer model will be used; 3) The departments will commit to supporting the change in policy. Nurses within preoperative clinic will be coached to feel comfortable calling the anesthesiologist about any pre-op tests ordered, and the Pre-Admission Unit will have the authority to cancel tests that deem unnecessary. Check boxes will be removed from medical order forms