A Framework to Optimize Primary Care of Older Surgical Patients: A Qualitative Study of Geriatricians

An increasing number of older adults are undergoing surgery. Older adults face significant challenges throughout the spectrum of perioperative care. No frameworks exist to support primary care clinicians in helping older adults navigate perioperative care beyond preoperative medical clearance.

We aimed to develop a framework to assist primary care clinicians in surgical care navigation for older patients.

This qualitative study used semistructured interviews with a sample of geriatricians from across the US between January and June 2022. Interviews were conducted one on one via an online video conferencing platform without observers present. Demographics of participants were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Directed content analysis of interview data was used to examine how primary care clinicians can optimally support older patients throughout the perioperative process.

This qualitative study included 24 geriatricians, 16 (67%) women, with median time in practice of 12.4 years (IQR, 5.0-24.5 years). Of those, 11 (46%) worked at an academic or tertiary referral center. Qualitative analysis identified 7 actions that geriatricians perform when caring for patients through the surgical continuum: conduct risk-benefit analysis of surgical referral, elicit and communicate patient goals, prepare patient and family for surgical consultation, set realistic expectations, assist with decision about surgery, advocate for patient and family, and coordinate postoperative care.

In this qualitative study of geriatricians, 7 key domains of perioperative care for older adults were identified. The resulting framework can be used by primary care clinicians as they help their older patients navigate surgical care.