Patients 65 years and older account for more than 40% of all inpatient operations. To help these patients navigate the complexities of preparing for surgery, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) has created a checklist for older surgical patients, families, and caregivers.

“Older adults sometimes require a much more in-depth assessment to reduce the risk of problems such as delirium, longer length-of-stays, and other complications,” said Clifford Y. Ko, MD, director of the ACS Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care. “This checklist is grounded in the evidence-based standards of our Geriatric Surgery Verification Program and can help both patients and providers ensure high-quality care and likely better outcomes.”

The questions on the checklist help foster more detailed conversations between patients, families, caregivers, and the surgical teams about the benefits and risks of surgery, how to minimize the chances of postoperative delirium, and what patients can expect during recovery.

The ACS Geriatric Surgery Verification Program was specifically created to help hospitals address the unique needs of older adults and is based on 32 surgical standards. These standards detail the principles regarding necessary resources, quality improvement and safety processes, data collection, and a verification process. Patients can search for hospitals verified by the GSV program.

The free checklist can be used by any patient receiving care at any hospital.

Access the checklist and learn more about the GSV program.