The number of older people undergoing surgery continues to rise. Many of these people have complex health care needs including dementia that need to be considered before, at and after the time of any surgical procedure.
Evidence already exists to support geriatricians and orthopaedic surgeons working in partnership to care for older people, delivering benefits which include fewer deaths, fewer complications and better functional recovery.
This research will review if general surgeons and geriatricians working in partnership can lead to better outcomes for older people undergoing surgery in two hospitals from two local health districts test.
The Translational Research Grants Scheme funding will support the shared care model project and conduct the health economic evaluation of the study that is critical to allow a realistic approach to service planning / re-organisation.
Collaborators: Agency for Clinical Innovation (Aged Health Network)