Transition of Care for Older Adults Undergoing General Surgery

Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am. 2023 Dec;35(4):453-467. doi: 10.1016/j.cnc.2023.05.009. Epub 2023 Jul 6.

Abstract

The demand for surgical intervention and hospitalization is expected to increase with the growth of the older adult population. Despite advances in technology and minimally invasive surgical procedures, the needs of the older adult in the perioperative period are unique. Transitions of care from the decision to support surgery through surgical intervention, subsequent hospitalization, and postacute discharge must be supported to achieve optimal patient outcomes. The clinical nurse specialist is well suited to address care delivery and assure implementation of best practices across the continuum.

Keywords: Clinical nurse specialist; Discharge; Geriatric; Handoff; Preoperative.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Nurse Clinicians*
  • Patient Discharge
  • Patient Transfer*