Strong for Surgery

Strong for Surgery is a public health initiative aimed at identifying and optimizing the health of patients prior to undergoing surgery. The program focuses on four key areas: nutrition, glycemic control, medication management, and smoking cessation. By addressing these areas, Strong for Surgery aims to reduce surgical complications, improve patient outcomes, and decrease healthcare costs.

Background

The concept of preoperative optimization, or preparing a patient for surgery, is not new. However, the formalization of this concept into a checklist-based program like Strong for Surgery highlights the importance of a systematic approach to preoperative care. The initiative is based on the premise that better preoperative health status can lead to better surgical outcomes.

Key Areas

Nutrition

Nutrition plays a critical role in the healing process. Patients who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition may have poorer surgical outcomes. Strong for Surgery emphasizes the importance of screening for nutritional deficiencies and providing nutritional support before surgery.

Glycemic Control

For patients with diabetes or those at risk of hyperglycemia, managing blood sugar levels is crucial. Poor glycemic control can lead to an increased risk of infection and other complications post-surgery. The initiative recommends strategies for maintaining optimal blood glucose levels before, during, and after surgery.

Medication Management

Proper medication management is essential to avoid adverse drug events and to optimize patient health before surgery. This includes reviewing all current medications, adjusting dosages if necessary, and ensuring that the patient's medication regimen is optimized for surgery.

Smoking Cessation

Smoking has been shown to increase the risk of surgical complications. As part of the Strong for Surgery checklist, patients are encouraged to quit smoking prior to surgery. The program provides resources and support to help patients achieve this goal.

Implementation

Strong for Surgery has been implemented in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and surgical centers. The program provides healthcare professionals with checklists and tools to screen patients for potential risks and to implement interventions as needed.

Impact

Studies have shown that the Strong for Surgery initiative can lead to improved patient outcomes, including reduced complication rates and shorter hospital stays. By focusing on preoperative optimization, the program also contributes to more efficient use of healthcare resources.

Conclusion

Strong for Surgery represents a significant advancement in the field of surgery and patient care. By emphasizing the importance of preoperative health, the initiative not only improves surgical outcomes but also enhances the overall patient experience. As healthcare continues to evolve, programs like Strong for Surgery play a crucial role in promoting best practices and improving the quality of care.