Unrealistic Postsurgical Expectation of Independence Predicts Complex Hospital Discharge.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Careful discharge planning for older surgical patients can reduce length of stay, readmission, and cost. We hypothesized that patients who overestimate their self-care ability before surgery are more likely to have complex postoperative discharge planning.

Materials and methods

The Vulnerable Elders Surgical Pathways and Outcomes Assessment is a brief preoperative assessment that can identify older (age ≥70) patients with multidimensional geriatric risk, defined by all three of the following: (1) physical or cognitive impairment, (2) living alone, and (3) lack of handicap-accessible home. The Vulnerable Elders Surgical Pathways and Outcomes Assessment also asks a novel postoperative self-care ability question, whether patient can independently provide self-care fo

SUBMITTER: Chan CL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6355161 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature