The Role of the Nurse in an Interdisciplinary Approach to Perioperative Management in the Outpatient Clinic

In order to improve perioperative outcomes at our hospital, a multi-disciplinary perioperative management team (PMT) was created, and PMT outpatient consultations were commenced. Nurses trained in perioperative management operate at the center of this process, conducting preoperative assessment and instruction in two-person groups. A PMT nurse training program and case conferences for all patients improve outcomes and develop interdisciplinary rapport. As a result, cancellation of surgery resulting from patient self-mismanagement of medication and tooth loss resulting from intubation have not occurred since the PMT's commencement.