Anesthesiology clinics
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Anesthesiology clinics · Sep 2015
Review Historical ArticleThe History of Geriatric Anesthesia in the United States and the Society for the Advancement of Geriatric Anesthesia.
Creation of the American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on Geriatric Anesthesia provided an opportunity for individuals to interact, strategize, and work with medical organizations outside of anesthesiology. These opportunities expanded with creation of the Society for the Advancement of Geriatric Anesthesia. ⋯ From this have come educational grants to improve residency training and establishment of a major research grant program now managed by the National Institutes of Health. Nevertheless, for improved care of the older patient, the level of involvement has to increase.
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Many seriously ill geriatric patients are at higher risk for perioperative morbidity and mortality, and incorporating proactive palliative care principles may be appropriate. Advanced care planning is a hallmark of palliative care in that it facilitates alignment of the goals of care between the patient and the health care team. ⋯ Palliative care is gaining ground in several perioperative populations where integration with certain patient groups has occurred. Geriatric anesthesiologists must be aware of how palliative care and hospice influence and enhance the care of elderly patients.