Geriatric Surgery Program for Cancer in Older Adults

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Overseen ByThe Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to enhance surgical care for older adults with cancer through a special program that addresses age-related needs before, during, and after surgery. The trial will evaluate how well hospitals adopt this program and whether it results in better outcomes, such as shorter hospital stays and fewer complications. Suitable participants include older adults who have undergone surgery or pre-surgery evaluations for cancer at the James Cancer Hospital. As an unphased trial, this study allows patients to contribute to innovative approaches in surgical care tailored to their unique needs.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that the ACS Geriatric Surgery Verification Program is safe for older adults undergoing cancer surgery?

Research has shown that the ACS Geriatric Surgery Verification (GSV) Program is safe and well-received by older adults undergoing surgery. One study found that hospitals using this program experienced a significant reduction in post-surgery deaths, from 10.2% to 5.7%. This indicates that the program can enhance surgical safety and improve patient outcomes.

For the Serious Illness Conversation Program training, studies have demonstrated that it helps doctors and patients communicate more effectively. This improved communication can reduce anxiety and depression in patients without causing harm.

Both programs aim to enhance care and safety for older adults. The evidence indicates they are safe and beneficial for those considering participation in a clinical trial.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it aims to enhance surgical outcomes for older adults with cancer by implementing the ACS Geriatric Surgery Verification (GSV) Program and the Serious Illness Conversation Program (SICP). Unlike standard cancer treatments that focus solely on the disease, this approach emphasizes comprehensive care tailored to the unique needs of older patients. By integrating these programs, the trial seeks to improve patient communication, surgical care, and overall quality of life, which are often overlooked in traditional cancer treatments.

What evidence suggests that the ACS Geriatric Surgery Verification Program and Serious Illness Conversation Program training could be effective for improving surgical care in older adults with cancer?

Research has shown that the ACS Geriatric Surgery Verification Program significantly improves surgical outcomes for older adults. Following these guidelines reduces the risk of needing additional care after surgery by 72%. At one hospital, the surgery-related death rate dropped from 10.2% to 5.7% after implementing the program. In this trial, some participants will implement the ACS Geriatric Surgery Verification Program. Additionally, the Serious Illness Conversation Program, which some participants will also complete, enhances patients' understanding of their health, with 55% of participants reporting increased awareness of their future health. This program encourages meaningful discussions about care preferences, leading to better overall care management.12567

Who Is on the Research Team?

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Samilia Obeng-Gyasi, MD, MPH

Principal Investigator

Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults age 65 and older who are having surgery for cancer at the James Cancer Hospital. It includes people with many types of cancer, such as breast, lung, brain, skin, and others.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 65 years old or older.
Patient records with data available in institutional electronic health record or institutional data systems
I am a clinical staff member aged 18 or older working in areas affected by ACS Geriatric Surgery Verification at OSU Wexner Medical Center.
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Exclusion Criteria

Patient records for encounters occurring only at outside institutions or non-James hospitals within the enterprise
Patient records missing all primary outcome fields after data quality checks
Clinical staff who are trainees, including medical students, physician assistant students, nursing students, resident physicians, or fellows
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Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Serious Illness Conversation Program (SICP) Workshop

Participants complete the SICP workshop to prepare for the implementation of the ACS GSV program

2 months
Workshops conducted over 2 months

ACS GSV Program Implementation

Implementation of the ACS GSV program into surgical services

4 months
Regular implementation meetings and activities

Transition and Maintenance

Transition period followed by continued maintenance implementation of the ACS GSV program

10 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the implementation of the ACS GSV program

Up to 3 years

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • ACS Geriatric Surgery Verification Program Implementation
  • Serious Illness Conversation Program training

Trial Overview

The study is testing a program that trains care teams to better recognize and address the unique needs of older adults before, during, and after cancer surgery. The goal is to see if this improves recovery and reduces complications.

How Is the Trial Designed?

3

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Group 3 (months 13-16 ACS GSV)Experimental Treatment2 Interventions
Group II: Group 2 (months 8-11 ACS GSV)Experimental Treatment2 Interventions
Group III: Group 1 (months 3-6 ACS GSV)Experimental Treatment2 Interventions

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials
350
Recruited
295,000+

Citations

Geriatric Surgery Verification | ACS

The Geriatric Surgery Verification (GSV) Program has 32 surgical standards (2 of which are optional) designed to improve surgical care and outcomes for ...

The American College of Surgeons Geriatric Surgery ... - PMC

Older adults contribute disproportionately to total surgical volumes while experiencing significantly worse outcomes owing in part to ...

Geriatric Surgery Verification Program May Improve ...

Additionally, the Geriatric Surgery Verification program's implementation was associated with a 72% reduced risk of increased care needs at ...

Why Hospitals Choose ACS Geriatric Surgery Verification

The ACS Geriatric Surgery Verification (GSV) Program helps hospitals optimize surgical care for vulnerable older patients by aligning teams ...

Characteristics of older patients undergoing major ...

Surgical risk is also elevated in this cohort with patients aged over 70 having 6 % 30-day mortality and 20 % complication rate [4]. Older patient populations ...

Guide to Recognition for Geriatric Surgery Verification Hospitals

These standards detail the principles regarding resource standards, quality improvement and safety processes, data collection, and the verification process for ...

Geriatrics Surgery Verification (GSV) Phase II

This project will evaluate content, implementation and outcomes of the new verification program to foster broad dissemination to diverse sites.