To enhance clinical application of comprehensive geriatric assessment in elderly inpatients with non-cardiac surgical operation

Abstract

In this commentary article, we introduce the definition, evaluative contents and methods of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), as well as its successful application in Western countries. CGA is a multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment process that identifies medical, psychosocial, and functional capabilities of elderly adults to develop plans including overall treatment, nursing, and follow-up to maximize overall health with aging. How to change this situation has become an important challenge due to the significant increase in postoperative complications, mortality, and treatment costs for elderly patients with surgical diseases. Current clinical evidence from Western countries supports that CGA can significantly improve recovery of function, reduce complications and mortality, greatly cut down medical cost, and improve medical utility of elderly patients with burn, trauma, and surgical diseases. Therefore, we advocate that CGA should be routinely used in elderly inpatients before non-cardiac surgical operation in our country.