The preoperative consultation. Response to internists' recommendations

Abstract

Preoperative consultations are frequently performed; however, little is known about the way requesters respond to recommendations offered. A total of 90 consecutive preoperative consultations performed by a general medical were reviewed and compared with 66 consecutive nonpreoperative consultations, performed by the same unit during the same period. Recommendations made during preoperative consultation were often not followed and were less likely to be followed than were those made during nonpreoperative consultation (53.9% vs. 68.9%). Controlling for the type of consultation advice offered and for the type of surgical service requesting the consultation did not alter this relationship. Consultant follow-up for recommendations made during preoperative consultations is important.