Abstract
Background Prehabilitation prior to major surgery mandates cross-sector working. Utilising the preoperative window from referral requires clinician engagement. Awareness of perioperative risk factors is crucial. A national survey uncovered gaps in knowledge and understanding.
Aim Create an open-access, online educational resource for primary care clinicians.
Method Our multidisciplinary team developed a focused CPD resource targeting lifestyle factors and chronic health conditions influencing perioperative risk (www.prepwell.co.uk).
Results PREP highlights seven risk factors influencing perioperative risk: Smoking, alcohol, inactivity, anaemia, cognitive impairment, frailty and low BMI. A case study frames each factor alongside perioperative impact and prehabilitation strategies.
Conclusion PREP is the first educational resource of its type. Early evaluation through local clinicians, the RCGP and RCOA has resulted in very positive feedback. We are working with Royal College representatives to gain formal endorsement and facilitate wider scale rollout, a major step towards raised clinician awareness and enhanced collaboration for improved perioperative outcomes.
- © British Journal of General Practice 2018