Medical audit: the role of an orthopaedic preoperative clinic.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the usefulness of an orthopaedic preoperative clinic.

DESIGN

Observational study of patients who attended the preoperative clinic.

SUBJECTS

Thirty patients who attended the clinic over a three-month period.

SETTING

Orthopaedic Outpatient Department.

RESULTS

Twelve of the 30 patients had their operation postponed as a result of the visit.

CONCLUSIONS

The existence of a preoperative orthopaedic assessment clinic is justified. Use of such a clinic should lead to the cancellation of fewer operations due to the patient being unfit for surgery.