Effectiveness of an Advanced Practice Nurse-Led Preoperative Telephone Assessment.

The purpose of this project was to determine the effectiveness of an advanced practice nurse-led preoperative telephone assessment in reducing day-of-surgery cancellations of patients at an ambulatory surgery center. We concluded that a good history obtained by a trained and experienced advanced practice nurse or registered nurse can reduce day-of-surgery cancellations. Patients who were identified at high risk for preoperative complications during the telephone assessment were referred to the preoperative evaluation clinic for further evaluation.