Origination, Development, and Validation of the Surgical Pause
2024
Surgical Pause Initiative Improves Outcomes for Frail Patients
Sample size: 5
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Johanning Jason
Primary Institution: University of Nebraska Medical Center
Hypothesis
Can the Surgical Pause initiative reduce postoperative mortality in frail patients?
Conclusion
The Surgical Pause initiative significantly reduced 1-year postoperative mortality from 20% to 16% in frail patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Half of veterans older than 65 years seeking surgery are frail or prefrail.
- The Omaha VA implemented a quality improvement program to measure frailty.
- The survival advantage observed in Omaha was replicated in longitudinal data.
- Exercise training for as little as 3 weeks before surgery improved recovery outcomes.
Takeaway
Doctors found a way to help older patients who are weak feel better after surgery, which means they are less likely to die within a year.
Methodology
An interrupted time series analysis was conducted using longitudinal data from 5 hospitals.
Participant Demographics
Veterans older than 65 years seeking colorectal or cardiac surgery.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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