Pre-surgical psychological evaluation

Why do I need a Pre-Surgical Psychological Evaluation?

Why do I need a pre-surgical psychological evaluation?

Having surgery is never an easy undertaking. This is truer today due to the requirement of some patients needing pre-surgical psychological evaluation prior to any procedure considered crucial, including bariatric operations, amputation, or any type of transplant. One of the main reasons why is due to these can be high-priced surgeries for insurance companies, so the insurance wants to ensure the proper steps are taken. A patient that needs any type of major surgery usually needs to make life changes, as well as decrease the number of resources that they rely on. The process of evaluation involves an in-depth interview process, health background history, and monitoring. The pre-surgical evaluation is also used to discuss these important areas that may be of concern.

History of Mental Illness

If a patient does not have sufficient pre-surgical care for their mental illness, then a major surgery may be out of the question. Also, any type of procedure could easily spark their mental disorder whether it’s a mood swing or something more severe. Having patients fully educated with expectations will help prevent them from falling back into their old ways. This is why it is important to have psychological evaluations because a patient with an unstable mental capacity will not be an ideal choice to undergo a major operation.

Substance Abuse

If a patient has been abusing substances, then they will obviously not be the greatest choice to have surgery. An exception to this is only if they are under treatment for their abuse. As a patient is being evaluated during their pre-surgical evaluation, a motivational technique will be able to lead the sufferer on the road towards recovery.

Adhering to treatment involves many steps in order to be successful.  Treatment might include changes in their lifestyle, adhering to proper medication use, and constant continued monitoring. It is important that a complete medical history is obtained that shows the patient complying with all required appointments, medicines, and any other relevant directions.

Pre-surgical psychological evaluation

Overall Coping Abilities

Devise a way to discover if any resources have been used as part of their overall coping ability towards stress while giving a pre-surgical psychological evaluation. If it is discovered that the patient utilizes unsophisticated mechanisms for defense while undergoing stress, then it may show an underlying disorder that may disqualify them as a surgical patient.

These are just a few reasons on why some surgeries may need a psychological evaluation.  Talk to your surgeon today to find out if one is needed for your surgery.

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pre-surgical psychological evaluation

Pre-Surgical Psychological Evaluations, What Are They?

Pre-Surgical Psychological Evaluations, What Are They?

We live in a world where surgeries are a common thing.  So what is a Pre-Surgical psychological evaluation?  Candidates for most types of surgeries will need to undergo a psychological evaluation before the procedure. This has become an essential requirement and a standard practice that has been taking place for years now. The process is meant to improve the overall outcome of the procedure and patient satisfaction. Surgeries that need pre-surgical evaluations include; cosmetic, bariatric surgery, organ transplant, etc.

Why Go Through a Pre-Surgical Evaluation

1. Your insurance company needs it

Your insurance company is going to cover the cost of the surgery, so they need you to see a psychologist assure them that you’re ready for the procedure. They won’t pay for it if you don’t understand everything, including post-surgery effects, potential complications, and the required follow-up.

2. The evaluation will help you identify ways to improve your post-surgery recovery.

Mental preparation for the surgery is important for physical preparedness and recovery. The process will help identify your weaknesses, strengths, and motivation and point out areas you need extra guidance.

3. Your surgeon needs it

A pre-surgical evaluation is what will help your surgeon understand your case, needs, and mental state. These help them know how to deal with you on the operating table and understand all the behaviors you’re likely to show after surgery.

4. Patients need it

The evaluation process is essential for patients to help them learn more about themselves, their mental triggers, habits, and come up with a plan for recovery.

pre-surgical psychologyFactors That Are Likely To Affect the Surgery

Several mental weaknesses can interfere with the surgery is not addressed beforehand. These include;

• Demoralization

• Stress

• Anxiety

• Low self-esteem

• Fear of pain

• Substance abuse history

• Anger

• Chronic psychiatric issues

What to Expect During Pre-Surgical Evaluations

• An interview with a clinician to discuss the background and history of the patient. The questions during this interview will entail medical history, social information, and psychological history.

• Learning more about the surgery by consulting with the physician or surgeon and asking all the necessary questions.

• Psychological tests to examine current psychological functioning of the surgery candidate

• After this, your psychologist prepares a report and sends it to the surgeon for further evaluation before commencing with the type of surgery you are having. 

 

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