Geriatric Surgery Verification Program Improves Patient Outcomes
A new study presented at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2024 reveals that implementing the ACS Geriatric Surgery Verification program can significantly reduce postoperative mortality rates and increase the proportion of elderly patients with essential documentation standards, such as advance care directives.
The studies, conducted at the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital, one of the first 10 hospitals nationwide to achieve ACS Geriatric Surgery Verification, highlight the program’s effectiveness in improving surgical outcomes for patients aged 75 and older.
Understanding the Geriatric Surgery Verification Program
The Geriatric Surgery Verification program is a comprehensive set of quality measures designed to enhance surgical care for older adults. It incorporates 32 evidence-based standards that prioritize minimizing delirium, providing patient-centered care, and addressing the unique challenges faced by this population. Beyond improving patient care, the program also helps hospitals reduce costs and streamline processes.
Study Findings: Improved Mortality and Documentation Rates
Researchers at Akron General Hospital examined patient outcomes following the program’s implementation. The first study focused on mortality rates after surgery between July 2021 and January 2024, while the second analyzed advanced care planning and documentation (code status) prior to and after implementation.
The results were encouraging:
* **Mortality Reduction:** The mortality rate among patients aged 75 and older within 30 days of surgery dropped by 50% – from 10.2% to 5.7% – after implementing the program.
* **Increased Documentation:** The percentage of general surgery patients aged over 75 with code status documentation increased significantly: from 26.6% before implementation to 39.6% after, and eventually to 74.2% following multidisciplinary efforts to improve care for geriatric patients.
These improvements are attributed to the program’s emphasis on patient education, open communication about goals of care, and the use of electronic medical record templates to facilitate documentation.
Patient-Centered Care and Improved Communication
“We had discussions with them about what they would want if their heart were to stop, or if they needed prolonged intubation, or if they would want and accept dialysis,” explained Dr. Blake Westling, lead author of the second study.
Dr. Ileana Horattas, lead author of the first study, emphasized the importance of these conversations: “What’s really exciting is that we’re one of the first hospitals to show that we’re significantly improving patient outcomes by implementing ACS [Geriatric Surgery Verification] standards. We know we’re having more important care conversations. We know that our hospital rooms better accommodate the diverse needs of all patients, including those with vision impairments or mobility challenges. We know that we have a strong team of professionals specializing in care for older patients, including palliative care. We know that we’re well equipped. Now we’re seeing that’s improving outcomes.”
Call to Action
The findings of these studies underscore the significant benefits of implementing the ACS Geriatric Surgery Verification program. Hospitals seeking to improve surgical outcomes for older adults should explore this valuable resource.