Best Patient Assessment And Preparation In Anaesthetics in 2025

Epic's AIMS module stands out for its unparalleled integration within the Epic EHR, which is prevalent in many large healthcare systems. This seamless data flow means that all patient information – from past medical history and medications to lab results and previous anesthetic records – is readily accessible during the pre-anesthetic assessment. It offers highly customizable templates for detailed patient history, physical examination, and risk stratification. The strength lies in its ability to centralize data, reducing redundancy and improving accuracy. For institutions already using Epic, this module offers the most cohesive and efficient workflow, making it a top contender for comprehensive patient management in anesthetics.

Cerner PowerChart Anesthesia is another robust AIMS solution, particularly favored by healthcare organizations utilizing the Cerner Millennium platform. It provides a comprehensive suite of tools for pre-anesthetic assessment, intraoperative record-keeping, and postoperative care. Its strength lies in its configurability and scalability, allowing organizations to tailor workflows and documentation to their specific needs. While the initial setup and customization can be extensive, the long-term benefits in terms of data consistency and integration with the broader Cerner ecosystem are significant. It's a powerful tool for large hospitals and health systems looking for a unified patient record.

Medax Anesthesia Solutions offers a compelling alternative for independent anesthesia groups, ambulatory surgery centers, and smaller hospitals. Its design prioritizes ease of use and streamlined workflows for the anesthesia provider. Medax includes robust modules for pre-anesthetic screening, patient history intake, and risk assessment, often with integrated billing features. While it may not offer the deep, native integration of an Epic or Cerner within a large-scale health system, its ability to interface with various existing EHRs and its more accessible pricing model make it an attractive option for facilities seeking a dedicated, efficient, and user-friendly anesthesia management system.

For educational institutions and hospital simulation centers, the Laerdal SimMan 3G, especially with its advanced airway management module, is the gold standard for training in patient assessment and preparation. This high-fidelity manikin can simulate a vast array of physiological conditions, allowing trainees to practice everything from a routine pre-op assessment to managing a difficult airway crisis or an unforeseen allergic reaction. Its realistic responses, integrated monitoring, and comprehensive debriefing tools make it invaluable for developing critical thinking, technical skills, and teamwork in a safe, controlled environment, directly impacting future patient safety.

While not an AIMS system or a simulator, UpToDate is an indispensable tool for patient assessment and preparation due to its vast, continuously updated library of evidence-based medical information. Anesthesiologists frequently refer to UpToDate for guidance on managing comorbidities, drug interactions, and specific patient populations (e.g., pediatric, geriatric, obstetric). Its integrated calculators, such as cardiac risk stratification scores, and detailed reviews on various anesthetic approaches directly aid in formulating safe and effective anesthetic plans. Its role is crucial in informing clinical decisions during the assessment phase, ensuring that care is aligned with the latest medical knowledge.

Elsevier ClinicalKey Anesthesia provides an essential digital library for anesthesiologists and trainees, offering a wealth of resources crucial for both foundational learning and ongoing professional development in patient assessment and preparation. It aggregates leading textbooks, peer-reviewed journals, clinical overviews, practice guidelines, and procedural videos, making it an invaluable reference during complex patient evaluations. While not an active decision-support system, its comprehensive content empowers clinicians to deepen their understanding of pathology, pharmacology, and best practices, directly influencing the quality of pre-anesthetic care and risk management.