Better in, better out - the essence of preoperative physical therapy for the frail

“Better in, better out”, the motto of preoperative physical therapy, appears to be as simple as it is true: the better the patient comes into the hospital, the better and quicker he or she leaves the hospital. There is ample evidence in the literature that the functional status of the patient prior to the operation contributes to the risks of complications during the postoperative course. The physical therapist who is experienced in screening, diagnosing and optimising the functional status of the patient can play a key role in interdisciplinary preoperative care.

Text: Jaap Dronkers, Erik Hulzebos, Nico van Meeteren

Source: http://www.eunaapa.org/