Cj. Patterson et al., A CONTINUING MEDICAL-EDUCATION STRATEGY FOR CARE OF THE ELDERLY BY THE SURGICAL SPECIALTIES, CAN J SURG, 38(5), 1995, pp. 427-431
As the absolute numbers and percentage of older people rises in Canada
, surgeons are required to treat an increasing number of elderly patie
nts. Recognizing the need to enhance the quality of health care for th
ese people by continuing medical education of health care professional
s, the Canadian Medical Association sponsored an invitational workshop
in May 1992. The workshop group addressing surgery and its specialtie
s identified three essential underpinnings: knowledge of the aging pro
cess (altered physiology and response to illness); decision analysis f
or interventions (risks, benefits and ethical dimensions); and communi
cation skills. Three priorities for continuing education were recommen
ded: improving knowledge of the physiologic changes that impact on the
recovery of elderly patients from surgery; management of postoperativ
e care; and improved knowledge and skills in prescribing medications f
or older surgical patients. Strategies to implement these priorities a
re outlined.