Implementation of a geriatric in-reach service improves acute surgical unit outcomes; a retrospective before-and-after study

Background: Australia's ageing population is challenging for surgical units and there is a paucity of evidence for geriatric co-management in acute general surgery. We aimed to assess if initiating a Geriatric Medicine in-reach service improved outcomes for older adults in our Acute Surgical Unit (ASU).

Methods: The Older Adult Surgical Inpatient Service (OASIS) was integrated into ASU in 2021. We retrospectively reviewed all patients over age 65 admitted to ASU over a 12-month period before and after service integration with a length of stay (LOS) greater than 24 h. There was no subsequent truncation or selection. Primary outcomes were 30-day mortality, LOS, and 28-day readmissions. Secondary outcomes were discharge disposition, in-hospital mortality, and hospital-acquired complications (HACs).

Results: 1339 consecutive patients were included in each group, with no differences in baseline characteristics. There was a significant decrease in 28-day readmissions from 20.2% to 16.0% (P < 0.05), greatest in patients undergoing non-EL operative procedures (21.9% pre-OASIS vs. 12.6% post-OASIS; P < 0.05). Trends towards reduced 30-day mortality (7.17% vs. 5.90%; P = 0.211), in-hospital mortality (3.88% vs. 2.91%; P = 0.201), permanent care placement (7.77% vs. 7.09%; P = 0.843) and HACs (8.14% vs. 7.62%; P = 0.667) were seen, although statistical significance was not demonstrated. LOS remained unchanged at 4 days (P = 0.653).

Conclusion: The addition of a geriatric in-reach service to a tertiary ASU led to a significant reduction in 28-day readmissions. Downtrends were seen in mortality, permanent care placement, and HAC rates, while LOS remained unchanged.