Psychological Assessment of Surgical Candidates

Psychosocial factors, such as caregiver support and patients’ expectations for quality of life after surgery, can have a strong impact on surgery outcomes. This book presents evidence-based approaches to presurgical psychological assessment across a broad range of medical conditions.

Psychologists and other mental health professionals are increasingly included within the preoperative evaluation process for patients preparing for major surgery. Presurgical psychological assessment (PPA) aims to assess both the risk factors for poor surgical outcome, as well as patient strengths and resources that can have a positive impact on surgery results.

This book presents evidence-based approaches to PPA across a broad range of medical conditions. Chapters outline a flexible model and practical tips for conducting PPA. They also offer selection and administration guidelines for psychological testing and clinical interviews, and information about relevant ethical and legal issues. Chapters review specific surgical areas in which PPAs are routinely conducted, including metabolic and bariatric, gynecologic, spinal procedures, gender embodiment, breast cancer treatment and prevention, solid organ transplant, deep brain stimulation, and treatment for temporal lobe epilepsy.