Nursing standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive condition characterised by reduced inspiratory and expiratory capacity of the lungs. COPD is not fully reversible and is a common cause of death in the UK. ⋯ Patients with COPD are less likely to receive palliative care than those with cancer. The need to discuss treatment options, palliative care and end of life care with these patients is important, although it is acknowledged that these discussions can be difficult for patients and healthcare professionals.
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Patients due to undergo elective surgery who are not considered to be medically fit, may have their operation postponed or even cancelled. Not only will this result in significant anxiety for the person, but it will also have financial implications for the hospital, in terms of lost theatre time. In an attempt to prevent postponing or cancelling scheduled surgery, pre-operative assessment is essential to ensure that the patient is physically and emotionally prepared. This article examines the main components of pre-operative assessment and how addressing any problems before surgery can help to improve post-operative outcomes for patients.