The three-month series will focus on a systems approach to high-risk surgery rather than a fragmented disease-oriented approach, according to an introductory editorial by Jukka Takala, MD, of University of Bern in Switzerland.
In one of the first articles of the series, researchers discuss the results of a study that found approximately 12 percent of all patients accounted for more than 80 percent of postoperative deaths, with high use of healthcare resources. According to the study’s authors, wide variations in healthcare delivery may lead to significant differences in mortality and complication rates.
They acknowledge that traditional approaches to assessing patient risk, such as the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ physical status score, have limits as well as benefits. The authors say there is a “pressing requirement” to develop more precise risk stratification with higher predictive value, especially for patients undergoing emergency surgery who are generally at increased risk of poor outcomes.
Read more on the Anesthesia & Analgesia series on high-risk surgery.
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At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.