THE NEED for the PERIOPERATIVE SURGICAL HOME

The perioperative surgical home (PSH) is a system for organizing and coordinating care that is patient-centered, physician-led and teambased. PSH care extends from the decision for surgery until completion of recovery. The main components of the PSH are engaged physician leadership, patient optimization for surgery, timely scheduling, evidence-informed care pathways, expert surgical and anesthetic care, facilitated rehabilitation, measurement of patient-centered outcomes, continuous performance improvement, and facilitated return to primary care. The benefits of the PSH are improved patient experience; improved safety and health outcomes; and reduced costs. The development of the PSH is motivated by existing deficiencies and weaknesses in a patient’s surgical care experience. A brief review of the literature reveals numerous opportunities for improvements in perioperative care, including the need to: