Mental health support improves surgery recovery for older adults
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Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis discovered that providing mental health coaching and reviewing medications before major surgery improves recovery for adults ages 60 and older.
The team conducted a clinical trial with 306 patients preparing for cardiac, cancer, or orthopedic surgery within the BJC HealthCare system.
Participants who reported mild to moderate anxiety or depression were divided into two groups, one received educational materials, and the other received those materials plus coaching from a mental health professional and a medication review by pharmacists and doctors. The study revealed that three months after surgery, patients who received the extra support experienced a greater reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to those who only read the materials.
Cancer patients showed the most improvement, with scores nearly five points lower on a 48-point scale. The researchers designed the intervention to address a gap in traditional surgical care, which typically focuses on physical healing while overlooking emotional wellbeing. The team found the program was easily integrated into existing hospital systems, and patients reported positive experiences with both the wellness coaches and the medication reviews which helped eliminate unnecessary drugs.
The study suggests that closer collaboration between anesthesiology and psychiatry departments can create a more holistic approach to surgical care, improving outcomes for older patients.
