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A continuing medical education strategy for care of the elderly by the surgical specialties.

As the absolute numbers and percentage of older people rises in Canada, surgeons are required to treat an increasing number of elderly patients. Recognizing the need to enhance the quality of health care for these people by continuing medical education of health care professionals, the Canadian Medical Association sponsored an invitational workshop in May 1992. The workshop group addressing surgery and its specialties identified three essential underprinnings: knowledge of the aging process (altered physiology and response to illness); decision analysis for interventions (risks, benefits and ethical dimensions); and communication skills. Three priorities for continuing education were recommended: improving knowledge of the physiologic changes that impact on the recovery of elderly patients from surgery; management of postoperative care; and improved knowledge and skills in prescribing medications for older surgical patients. Strategies to implement these priorities are outlined.