A CONTINUING MEDICAL-EDUCATION STRATEGY FOR CARE OF THE ELDERLY BY THE SURGICAL SPECIALTIES

Citation
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
Citations number
1
Categorie Soggetti
Surgery
Journal title
Canadian journal of surgery
ISSN journal
0008428X → ACNP
Volume
38
Issue
5
Year of publication
1995
Pages
427 - 431
Database
ISI
SICI code
0008-428X(1995)38:5<427:ACMSFC>2.0.ZU;2-9
Abstract
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.