ASORN Quick Question #17
August 2005

Thirty-one states and three foreign countries were represented among the 87 responses to the August survey. Results are given in numbers of responses and may not equal 87 as not all questions were answered by one to five responders.

 

1. Who completes the general (non-eye) preoperative history?
   1. Ophthalmologist (staff or resident) (15)
   2. Other MD outside office (e.g. patient’s internist or pediatrician) (19)
   3. Physician’s Assistant (2)
   4. Nurse Practitioner (4)
   5. Registered Nurse (18)
   6. Technician (19)
   7. Varies with type of surgery being performed and condition of patient (8)

Comments: Twenty-two responded by explaining minor variations to the above list. Several stated that the anesthesiologist reviewed or perhaps completed the history and physical. Other options listed for patient history included CRNA and LPN, and/or medical history forms completed by the patient or a preoperative area RN.

2. Who completes the general (non-eye) preoperative heart and lung assessment?
   1. Ophthalmologist (staff or resident) (10)
   2. Other MD outside office (e.g. patient’s internist or pediatrician) (34)
   3. Physician’s Assistant (2)
   4. Nurse Practitioner (5)
   5. Registered Nurse (7)
   6. Technician (4)
   7. Varies with type of surgery being performed and condition of patient (12)

Comments: Nine of the 23 comments explained that an anesthesiologist or a CRNA preformed a heart and lung assessment preoperatively. Other comments explained that the primary physician or perhaps a cardiologist report was needed when significant history was present.

 

3. Where is the surgery performed?
1. Freestanding ASC (43)
2. Hospital-based minor room, ASC, or operating room (43)

4. What is your work setting?
1. Office/clinic (23)
2. Operating room (31)
3. Both (22)
4. Other  (10)