Preoperative Palliative Care Needs in Older Adults Undergoing Surgery
In a study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, researchers found that 79% of older adults undergoing major elective surgery had preoperative palliative care needs, including pain, depression, functional dependence, or care partner support. Among the 63% of patients classified as seriously ill, these needs were linked to higher post-operative complications, increased health care utilization, and greater one-year costs, highlighting the importance of integrating palliative care into surgical care.