AANA December 2022 Journal Course: Overview of Preoperative Risk Analysis: ASA Physical Status Classification and the Surgical Risk Calculator-Article

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The article provides an overview of preoperative risk analysis using the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) Physical Status Classification and the Surgical Risk Calculator. It explains the significance of risk analysis in ensuring patient safety, advocacy, and informed consent. The ASA Physical Status Classification is a widely used assessment tool that helps evaluate a patient's physical condition and functional reserve. However, it has limitations due to its subjectivity and lack of specificity. The Surgical Risk Calculator, developed by the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, uses 21 preoperative risk factors to predict 13 perioperative complications. It has shown to be a reliable indicator for predicting patient risk and is used to improve informed consent and involve patients in the decision-making process. The article emphasizes the importance of comprehensive risk analysis in anesthesia and highlights the need for collaboration between primary care providers, anesthesia providers, and surgeons to improve patient outcomes. It also discusses the potential for enhancements in anesthesia risk analysis, such as an anesthesia National Surgical Quality Improvement Program risk calculator, as well as the use of protocols for enhanced recovery after surgery. The article concludes by emphasizing that the assessment process and the choice of anesthetic techniques play crucial roles in improving patient outcomes and reducing complications.

Keywords

preoperative risk analysis

ASA Physical Status Classification

Surgical Risk Calculator

patient safety

informed consent

perioperative complications

comprehensive risk analysis

collaboration

patient outcomes

anesthetic techniques