Efficient GLP-1 Pre-Op Checks

Over the past year, we have continuously refined our pre-op questionnaire to handle GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Saxenda and Trulicity.

Our Standard form has been perfected to ensure no patient slips through. These injections slow gastric emptying and raise aspiration risks, something no Anaesthetist wants. ANZCA guidance stresses direct questions and tailored fasting, like a 24-hour clear fluid diet.

Our ready-made Standard questionnaire makes it simple for all members, with custom options for Premium members. This enables Anaesthetists to avoid last-minute cancellations by having accurate GLP-1 pre-op information.

GLP-1 Pre-op screening in the Standard Questionnaire

Every Standard Plan questionnaire includes these core GLP-1 features.

Specific GLP-1 Question

The form asks about regular medications first. Once that has been answered, a dedicated question appears about GLP-1 receptor agonists and weight loss injections. It shows regardless of the prior answer (yes or no), ensuring no patient is missed.

GLP-1 Flag at the Top of Your Notification

If the patient answers yes, a GLP-1 warning appears flagged at the top of your email notification. So you spot it immediately.

Premium Customisations

If you’re a Premium member on a customised form, simply request the above changes or reply to one of our emails advising you of these GLP-1 options. As a Premium member, you can take it further with options tailored to your practice.

Automatic GLP-1 Fasting Emails

If the patient answers Yes to GLP-1 medications, it can automatically trigger an email to the patient with GLP-1 specific fasting instructions. Link to the ANZCA GLP-1 information sheet or your own document. Patients receive guidance right away. They can save the email to refer to closer to their procedure.
CREDIT – Dr Nicola Doogan

Custom GLP-1 Warning Messages

You can also add your own messages that appear only for GLP-1 yes answers. Member examples include:

• GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (eg. Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Saxenda, and Trulicity etc) deliberately delay gastric emptying. Please withhold the dose in the week prior to surgery.
• If you are taking a GLP-1 receptor agonist, please read the special “Patient information sheet (GLP-1)” fasting instructions that will be emailed to you carefully, as these may differ from other fasting instructions you may have received. You should receive this email the moment you submit this form, or another copy can be found on my website (yourname.com.au) or the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) website.

These show automatically and can be in your exact words.
CREDIT – Dr Chris McMahon and Dr Akshay Hungenahally

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Why Other Pre-Op Forms Miss GLP-1s

We understand GLP-1s are a big problem for Anaesthetists. Generic pre-op forms often only ask about regular medications, which patients skip because:

1. Many do not count weight loss shots as medicine
2. Some feel embarrassed about using weight loss drugs
3. They simply do not know these matter to Anaesthetists

AusDoc reported this trend last year in an article “Anaesthetists forced to cancel procedures because of patients keeping quiet about GLP-1 receptor agonists“. ANZCA President Professor David Story noted near misses, last-minute cancellations, or worse, the risks of an immediate crisis and a long ICU stay, even mortality. “the best safeguard was preoperative questioning, urging doctors to ask patients specifically, ‘Do you take an Ozempic-type drug?” he said. “Preoperative documents and electronic screening should also cover this“.

That’s exactly what our smart pre-op questionnaire does. We refine it continuously with issues like this. Your feedback drives these changes.

We design it with Anaesthetists in mind. Simple to use. Liked by patients. It just works.

Ready to See It in Action?

Standard Plan members have these GLP-1 pre-op tools active now. New to us? Try our Demo pre-op anaesthetic questionnaire here or via the link in the box below.

For Premium Plan members with customised forms, we can add any of these questions and functionality. Simply reply to any of our emails, or visit our Premium Plan ideas page here for 160+ member-inspired changes and request yours.