Perioperative models of care

Surgical care has a long and storied history, evolving from a necessity born of trauma to a speciality marked by precision and finesse. Over time, the principles and practices have continuously improved, driven by scientific advancements aimed at enhancing patient outcomes. There is no single agreed-upon model of care; instead, various approaches are employed. Patients often spend a considerable time awaiting treatment, making the effective use of the preoperative phase crucial for adequate preparation. The care of surgical patients requires substantial resources and coordination, with the patient staying at the heart of decision-making and treatment. Surgical care encompasses three distinct phases: preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative. To enhance care, multiple approaches can be used: traditional methods, using skilled clinicians for highly specialized guidance; protocol-based care, standardizing treatment through evidence-based protocols and care bundles; holistic patient focus, prioritizing the patient's needs and guiding what matters most to them; multidisciplinary approaches, encouraging collaboration among numerous team members; and patient empowerment, supporting education and self-directed prehabilitation. Combining these elements ensures comprehensive and patient-centred surgical care.