The Perioperative Pathway for Older Adults

More than 1.5 million people undergo surgery in Sweden each year, and over 770,000 of them are aged 65 years or older. Older adults often have more complex health needs and may require additional support throughout the surgical care process. Surgical care can be divided into three phases: before, during, and after surgery. Before surgery, older adults may need to improve their health status and prepare for the procedure. Many also feel worried about the surgery and recovery. It is important that patients understand the information they receive and are involved in decisions about their care. However, some older adults find it difficult to understand health information or to ask questions, which can make participation in care more challenging. Recovery after surgery means returning to the same level of function as before surgery, or adjusting to a new level if needed. For older adults, recovery can take longer and often continues after leaving the hospital. Support during this period is important for a safe and successful recovery. The POP project aims to improve the care and support provided to older adults undergoing surgery. The project focuses on identifying gaps and differences in current care and improving support throughout the entire surgical pathway, regardless of the type of surgery. There is currently limited knowledge about how older adults in Sweden experience the surgical care process. By increasing this understanding, the project aims to support improvements in care and outcomes for older adults.