Objective:

To evaluate the feasibility, usability and validity of a co-designed digital questionnaire for early complexity screening in elective surgery patients.

Approach:

• Study Design: A mixed-methods feasibility study was conducted using operational data, patient interviews and surveys.
• Participants: 284 consecutive patients referred for elective surgery across four specialties at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.
• Data Collection: Feasibility measured by completion rates, validation times, and qualitative feedback; usability evaluated through patient surveys and interviews.

Key Findings:

• Average time to preoperative screening decreased from 3–4 weeks to 3.4 days.
• 44% of 244 patients were eligible for fast-tracking to low-complexity surgical hubs.
• 100% of medium-complexity and high-complexity cases were correctly identified by a nurse-led validation process.
• 97% of patients completed the questionnaire without assistance.

Interpretation:

The tool proved feasible and user-friendly, enabling earlier identification of complexity and streamlining patient triage.

Limitations:

• The study was limited to a specific patient population and may not be generalizable.

Conclusion:

This feasibility study supports the tool’s feasibility, usability and validity, with potential for further research.