'This thesis reports on a study undertaken at an NHS Trust during a thirty month period commencing January 1994. The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of a preoperative assessment clinic for adult patients due to undergo major and minor elective surgery, (other than those admitted for gynaecological procedures).
The primary focus was on hospital efficiency, within government initiatives, and the use of assessment as a means to guarantee a bed on admission, reducing theatre cancellations and waiting list times. The main outcome measures are the reduced theatre cancellation rates, increased patient throughput, and a clear reduction in length of stay.
A secondary theme was explored, that of multi-disciplinary collaboration in particular doctor nurse collaboration; the role and ability of an advanced nursing role, whereby the assessment clinic provided the environment for comparison of patient outcome between those seen by doctor or by nurse assessor.
The study compared all patient admission episodes and outcomes with respect to patients assessed and those not assessed. The study is able to demonstrate that a nurse performed at least as well as the doctor
