BMJ open
Preoperative pathways in adults with multiple long-term conditions undergoing major surgery: a systematic review
By Mikula-Noble NM, Arakelyan S, Penfold R and 2 others.
Abstract
Objectives
Adults with multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs) undergoing surgery have a higher risk of postoperative complications compared with adults without MLTCs. No preoperative care interventions, pathways or protocols exist to specifically support people with MLTCs. Our aims were to: (i) summarise current preoperative interventions targeted at people with MLTCs, (ii) report outcomes of preoperative interventions specifically designed for MLTC populations and (iii) identify future research into interventions resulting in better surgical outcomes for this population.
Design
Systematic review was performed to identify studies reporting on preoperative interventions, pathways and protocols for adults with MLTCs undergoing surgery. Quality was evaluated using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies.