4-year-old Davonte is examined by the team at our Perioperative Surgical Home (PSH) to ensure he is in the best health possible and ready for surgery. Learn more in the below video.
Akron Children’s is leading other pediatric hospitals in a new approach to surgical care that integrates best practices and standardizes patient care from the time surgery is scheduled through discharge and follow-up after surgery.
Known as the Perioperative Surgical Home (PSH), this model of care ensures each child is in the best health possible and ready for surgery.
“The Perioperative Surgical Home improves outcomes by helping us better anticipate complications and admissions,” said Andrew Meyer, MD, a pediatric anesthesiologist and medical director of Akron Children’s PSH. “It also reduces costs, increases efficiencies and patient satisfaction, and provides an overall better patient experience.”
Davonte sits on the lap of his dad, Davonte Greer Sr., as a child life specialist shows him the hats, monitor stickers, anesthesia mask, etc, to help ease their concerns before surgery. “We ‘play’ with our patients before having surgery so there are no surprises and they are prepared,” says Stephanie Davis, a child life specialist.
Pre-surgery preparation
Before surgery, each patient must first complete a physical exam and medical history. To make it easier for patient families, the PSH pre-surgery clinic accommodates walk-ins, such as when a family is already at the hospital to see their surgeon or another provider. PSH pre-surgery appointments can also be scheduled by calling 330-543-7777.
The PSH pre-surgery clinic recently moved to Suite 8400 on the 8th floor of the main hospital building on our Akron campus.
Patients who are scheduled for surgery should complete their PSH visit within 30 days of the scheduled procedure and at least 24 hours in advance. Obtaining the pre-surgical exam and medical history in advance helps reduce unforeseen delays or cancellations on the day of surgery.
“The PSH visit has reduced the need for cancellations and has helped us more accurately predict how much time each case requires,” said Dr. Meyer. “This has been a very positive step to improve efficiencies.”
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Teresa Tokodi Domico gets a high five from Davonte.
During the visit, our team of advanced practice providers, nurses, medical assistants and child life specialists evaluate the child. The visit lasts about 1 hour.
Should additional consults, clearances, evaluations or tests be needed before surgery, the PSH team assists families in completing them and reviewing the results to ensure each patient is ready for surgery. The PSH team works closely with the surgeons and other specialists to develop a care plan that addresses each child’s needs. A board-certified pediatric anesthesiologist is also available to consult with the team and answer questions from parents.
During the PSH visit and on the day of surgery, our child life specialists are available to address children’s fears about an upcoming procedure with age-appropriate coping strategies.
“Patient families who’ve had surgery here in the past find the PSH pre-surgery clinic helps make the entire process run more smoothly,” said Dr. Meyer. “For new patients, it can alleviate fears and worries, and help them become more familiar with the hospital.”
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