Preoperative care refers to the physical and psychosocial care that prepares a patient to undergo surgery safely. The preoperative period begins when the patient is booked for surgery and ends with their transfer to the theatre or surgical suite. As well as the preoperative care that takes place in hospital, various preoperative tests and clinical assessments can be undertaken during a preoperative outpatient appointment, one week or more before surgery takes place. Patient information will also be provided at this time. These outpatient appointments are often led by nurse specialists or advanced nurse practitioners and may involve remote consultations via telephone or email. All nurses involved in the care of patients undergoing surgery should:

• Have a clear understanding of their role in each of the operative phases – preoperative, intraoperative and post-operative.

• Be able to identify the essential elements of preoperative care required to ensure patient safety.

• Understand the indications for, and effects of, any preoperative medicines.

• Provide preoperative information to the patient, family members and carers at a level appropriate to their cognitive and language abilities.

• Ensure the patient understands any preoperative tests and procedures required.

‘How to’ articles can help to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of:

• How this article can improve your practice when supporting patients who are undergoing preoperative care.

• How you could use this article to educate your colleagues on the principles of preoperative care.