Mobility predicts postop outcomes in older patients

Editor's Note

A quick, reliable, and cost-effective mobility assessment tool helped to identify older patients at risk for adverse postoperative outcomes in this study.

Mobility was assessed with 10 animated video clips of activities. Patients were asked to watch each clip and respond to a series of questions about their ability to perform each task.

The assessment tool was predictive of early postoperative complications, longer lengths of stay, and discharges to nursing homes.

Further studies are warranted to test whether preoperative strength and balance training might limit adverse outcomes and reduce length of stay, the authors say.