JACS Study: Scoping Review for the American College of Surgeons Geriatric Surgery Verification Program Perioperative Older Adult Enhanced Recovery Program
A new scoping review published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons (JACS) found that components of a surgical care protocol for older adults are associated with better outcomes, including fewer complications and shorter hospital stays.
In the review, researchers analyzed 67 studies on components of surgical care for patients age 65 and older. The components addressed in the study make up a seven-step protocol, developed by the American College of Surgeons' Geriatric Surgery Verification Program, that focuses on preventing common complications like delirium, falls and pneumonia.
The review found that fall prevention had the strongest evidence; programs that proactively address risk factors have been shown to reduce fall rates, shorten hospital stays and result in significant cost savings. Delirium screening also had strong evidence; using standardized tools to identify and manage confusion early, especially when combined with prevention strategies, is associated with better outcomes.
The review also supported interventions such as minimizing potentially inappropriate medications, aspiration precautions, use of incentive spirometry to help prevent pneumonia, and bowel regimens to reduce gastrointestinal complications.
Read the scoping review.
Read the press release.
Visit the American College of Surgeons' Geriatric Surgery Verification (GSV) Program.
Learn more about JAHF's support of the GSV program.
