The growth of day surgery over the past 10 years has had an enormous impact on the experience of surgery for both patients and health professionals. The potential for quality, cost-effective services is enormous, but relies on the recognition and development of specific, appropriate nursing knowledge and skills. This book has been designed as a comprehensive textbook, specifically emphasising the crucial nursing role. It promotes a peri-operative approach to patient management and nursing organisation and development and explores in depth the knowledge, research-base and clinical skills on which successful day surgery depends. Key features include: Emphasis on patient perspective, including anxiety management Evidence-based, draws on current research Focus on pre-admission assessment and selection Comprehensive coverage of effects and interactions of anaesthesia Standards for care planning, admission protocols, discharge procedures Reflection points and case studies linking to practice For practising nurses in day surgery and students on specialist courses, this book will be an informative and stimulating resource for practice development in this expanding area of care. Features: * Focuses on nursing skills * Emphasises the importance of screening and selection * Includes material on audit * Multi-disciplinary context * Informed by current research * User friendly and accessible, encourages reflection on practice