Work

Streamlining elective surgical pathways using early digital screening with complexity grading: feasibility study of a co-designed innovation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility, usability and validity of a co-designed digital questionnaire for early complexity screening in elective surgery patients. METHODS: A mixed-methods feasibility study was conducted using operational data, patient interviews and surveys. RESULTS: The average time to preoperative screening decreased from 3-4 weeks to 3.4 days. Of 244 patients, 44% were eligible for fast-tracking to low-complexity surgical hubs. A nurse-led validation process correctly identified 100% of medium-complexity and high-complexity cases. Most patients (97%) completed the questionnaire without assistance. DISCUSSION: The tool proved feasible and user-friendly, enabling earlier identification of complexity and streamlining patient triage. It also holds promise for reducing cancellations and facilitating timely prehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: This feasibility study supports the tool's feasibility, usability and validity. Further research will assess its clinical, operational and health economic impacts within redesigned surgical pathways.

Source: BMJ Health & Care Informatics

DOI: 10.1136/bmjhci-2025-101743