A common dilemma in the evaluation of patients prior to planned procedures is opportunistic preventative health activities. Smoking cessation is appropriate:- it can reduce perioperative complications, and the patient may be in a ‘teachable moment’ to change health behaviours.
Other preventative activities may also be considered. The RACGP ‘Redbook’ (officially known as Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice) provides a useful reference on what is medically appropriate. Whether it is appropriate in a particular setting (such as a preoperative clinic) is a local decision…
The Redbook may be found at:-
Discussion Notes
Perioperative Talk 