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.
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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