Pre-Op Communication for Orthopedic Surgery: Fewer Cancellations, Better Prepared Patients
It usually starts with many steps, many owners.
Orthopedic surgery depends on preparation: clearances, imaging, medication instructions, fasting rules and transportation. When something is missed, the case may be delayed or cancelled on the day, which disrupts the OR schedule and frustrates patients.
Why it persists: Many steps, many owners: Clearances, pre-op testing and instructions involve several teams. Instructions are complex: Patients receive detailed information that's easy to forget. Last-minute changes: Patients may have new symptoms or medication changes. Communication is manual: Calls and paper instructions take staff time.
Every week this stays broken, you pay in missed follow-ups and people who went elsewhere.
Day-of cancellations leave OR time unused and push other patients back. Staff spend time rescheduling, and patients lose time off work and arrangements they made.
Here is what usually works when people stop improvising:
Use a pre-op checklist. Track clearances, tests and instructions for every case.
Send instructions in stages. Short messages at set intervals before surgery.
Confirm the day before. Check transportation, fasting and arrival time.
Assign an owner. A surgical coordinator manages each case.
Use patient communication tools. Many groups use automated reminder platforms and patient portals for pre-op instructions, with staff oversight.
Pick the one leak that costs you the most this month. Fix that before you rebuild the whole system.