Cleveland Clinic Akron General: Ohio’s only hospital to receive high-level geriatric surgery designation.
As we age, we often need additional healthcare – including surgical care. With the older adult population expected to double over the next 40 years (from 45 to 98 million), there will be an increased need for geriatric care.
Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital’s geriatric surgery program recently received a Level I Comprehensive Excellence Geriatric Surgery Verification (GSV) by the American College of Surgeons. Akron General is the only hospital in Ohio, and one of eight in the U.S., to receive this high-level designation.
This recognition is based on quality improvement and patient safety efforts for older adult patients who require surgical services.
“When selecting complex surgical care, it is reassuring to know this designation recognizes the quality of care provided by our multidisciplinary team for elderly surgical patients before, during and after their surgeries,” says Mark Horattas, MD, Chair of Surgery at Cleveland Clinic Akron General.
This designation highlights the unique needs and vulnerabilities of the older surgical patient.
Dr. Horattas says the GSV optimizes geriatric surgical care by:
• Redesigning the surgical experience to focus on goals of care for older adults and their families.
• Emphasizing the importance of preoperative screening to identify vulnerabilities.
• Standardizing postoperative care to help prevent serious issues such as delirium and readmissions.
• Highlighting the importance of team-based interdisciplinary care and communication.
Akron General’s geriatric surgery program provides care for older patients, especially those who are 75 years and older with orthopaedic and general surgery needs.
“This designation is a reaffirmation of the quality of the care that our caregivers provide for older adult patients who have special needs,” says Dr. Horattas.
To schedule an appointment with a surgeon at Akron General, call 330.344.7874