In order to ensure your maximum safety and comfort before, during and after the anaesthetic, it is vital that your anaesthetist knows all of the important information to best plan and manage your care.
Many patients assume that the whole team has access to all of their previous files and results. Unfortunately, for a number of reasons including maintenance of your privacy, healthcare systems and even departments within the same hospital usually keep their files and notes separate from each other. This means that the onus is on you (or your family members if needed) to ensure that you have a good understanding of your health and medical background or have a copy of the relevant paperwork.
Your anaesthetist will need to know your
- normal level of function, limitations (hearing or memory problems etc)
- other health conditions (either present or significant past including hospitalisations)
- medications (inhalers, prescribed and over the counter, contraceptives, topical medications)
- make, model and settings of medical devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators, CPAP and other breathing assist devices, as well as who manages them
- allergies, intolerances and side effects
- previous problems with anaesthetics (eg difficult airway, major pain problems or vomiting, family history of malignant hyperthermia)
You need to
- find out about the above
- complete your ANAESTHETIST’s questionnaire
- follow the fasting advice
- follow the medication changes if any are suggested
- inform your surgeon or their rooms if you have a cold or new infection or illness, a worsening of your symptoms for which you are having surgery, or if there is another aspect of your health which has changed since your last appointment
- see your specialist (GP/cardiologist/neurologist etc) to ensure any underlying illnesses you have are managed as effectively as possible to make your anaesthetic as safe as possible
- voice any questions or concerns