SURGICAL RISK FACTORS IN OLDER ADULTS: IMPLEMENTING ASSESSMENT AND PREVENTION STRATEGIES

Course overview

Assessment for surgical risk factors and implementation of prevention strategies are critical components of the perioperative care of older adults. A preoperative evaluation is performed to identify intraoperative risk and risk for postoperative complications, and to optimize the status of the patient’s chronic medical conditions as much as possible before surgery. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of the assessment of older adults for surgical risk factors and the implementation of prevention strategies to aid in caring for the older patient undergoing surgery. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.