Loss of independence linked to postop readmission, mortality in older adults

Editor's Note

Loss of independence in surgical patients 65 years and older was associated with readmission and mortality after discharge, this study finds.

The study of more than 5,000 patients found that loss of independence occurred frequently and increased with age. After risk adjustment, loss of independence was significantly associated with readmission (1.7-fold increase) and death after discharge (6.7-fold increase). Postoperative complications were significantly associated with readmission but not mortality.

Loss of independence is a potential target for intervention, and future work should move beyond its use as a factor for prognosis, the authors say.

Importance Older adults are at increased risk for adverse events after surgical procedures. Loss of independence (LOI), defined as a decline in function or mobility, increased care needs at home, or discharge to a nonhome destination, is an important patient-centered outcome measure.