Preoperative functional performance is the best predictor for loss of independence after major surgery among older adults

Commentary on: Goeddel L, Murphy Z, Owodunni O, et al. Domains of Frailty Predict Loss of Independence in Older Adults after Non-Cardiac Surgery. Ann Surg. 2022 Sep 20. doi: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000005720. Epub ahead of print. Implications for practice and research Frailty screening with the Edmonton Frailty Scale can be used to identify risk factors for loss of independence after surgery, including a patient’s functional performance, functional dependence, social support and urinary incontinence. Prospective studies are needed to test whether risk factors can be modified before surgery to prevent loss of independence among frail patients. Context Frailty is a common syndrome of physiological decline among older adults characterised by vulnerability to adverse outcomes and loss of functional independence after major surgery.1 The study by Goeddel et al2 examined 11 geriatric domains associated with frailty that were collected before surgery using the Edmonton...
Source: Evidence-Based Nursing - Category: Nursing Authors: Tags: Adult nursing Care of the older person Source Type: research