Journal of Perioperative & Critical Intensive Care Nursing
Open Access

Abstract

Preoperative Evaluation of the Older Patient

Susan E Wozniak, JoAnn Coleman and Mark R Katlic

As the number of surgical procedures performed on geriatric patients continues to grow, it is essential to realize the unique needs of the older surgical population. With this in mind best practice guidelines were developed by leaders in the field of geriatric surgery. These best practice guidelines, “Optimal Preoperative Assessment of the Geriatric Surgical Patient,” are a comprehensive assessment addressing domains likely to impact older surgical candidates. Examples of these domains include: cognition, pre-operative physical baseline, social support, functionality, nutrition, frailty, and polypharmacy. While such a comprehensive “geriatric screening” may not always be practical, a more limited geriatric tailored preoperative assessment is still highly recommended. It allows the surgical team to proactively involve a nutritionist, physical or occupational therapist, social worker and other vital members of the postoperative care team.