A quality improvement project to limit unnecessary preoperative pathology at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital

Preoperative pathology is an important component of the assessment of patients prior to elective surgery. Ordering routine preoperative pathology is listed by bodies such as the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) and Choosing Wisely Australia as one of the top five practices anaesthetists should avoid (Choosing Wisely Australia 2017). The aim of this project was to evaluate current local practice for preoperative pathology at the Pre-Anaesthetic Evaluation Unit (PAEU) at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH). The priority for improving patient care was to ensure local practice was in line with evidence-based guidelines, was sustainable and patient focused.