University of Nebraska College of Medicine
This educational product reviews the key elements and unique features in the performance of preoperative evaluation in the elderly.This one hour CEU accredited unit is divided into 3 modules of 15-20 minutes each. Its design allows delivery as either a lecture or voiced for a distance web-based module or self-directed learning. Each module ends with case-based questions and answers. CME credit is available for this product. For more information, please contact the author.
Upon completion the learner will be able to describe a comprehensive preoperative evaluation in elderly patient. Module 1: The learner will be able to: 1) List the key tasks in a preoperative evaluation 2) Identify risk factors for surgical mortality and morbidity in the elderly 3) Describe pre-op evaluation of health, cognitive, nutritional and functional status Module Two: The learner will be able to: 1) List the key tasks in a preoperative cardiac evaluation 2) List cardiac the cardiac risk factors, functional capacity assessment and surgical procedure risk for a preoperative evaluation. 3) Describe pre-op evaluation cardiac evaluation. Module Three: The learner will be able to: 1) List the elements of a history necessary for an effective preanesthesia evaluation 2) List the appropriate physical exam elements for an effective preanesthesia evaluation 3) List the appropriate pre-operative testing with indications. 4) List and evaluate patients for pre-operative risk factors for Cardiac disease 5) Clinically assess functional capacity 6) Demonstrate ability to: a. Interpret preoperative testing b. Evaluate mental status
Implementation: 1) For lecture presentation: There are no special implementation requirements other than familiarity with the technology to use PowerPoint. Presenters should be comfortable enough with content to facilitate a robust discussion. 2) For use in distance learning: The material was originally adapted to Blackboard learning systems; however, using the Power Point system as we have, it can be adapted to many distance-based learning systems. We recommend for optimal learning that the presentation have speaker voicing (audio) to explain the slides and that the learner also have the ability to read the lecture notes. Benefits and practical tips: For lecture and self learning: The 15-20 minute modular format is concise and partialized, allowing presenters to select the most relevant information for their audience. For use in distance learning: Our feedback is that the 15-20 minute segments are popular. The learners cite that it less intimidating to do, the questions at the end create a break and closure and the 1 hour credit for completion of the three module unit is attained "painlessly".