For Immediate Release:
May 19, 2004

For Further Information:
Scott Kramer
(702) 691-7204

Las Vegas, NV-The first ever research agenda aimed at enhancing outcomes in the many elderly patients who receive surgical treatment or other specialized care, New Frontiers in Geriatrics Research: An Agenda for Surgical and Related Medical Specialties (ISBN: 1-886775-11-7) is being released this week by the American Geriatrics Society in conjunction with its Annual Scientific Meeting.

The book puts forth ten distinct research agendas for anesthesiology, emergency medicine, general surgery, gynecology, ophthalmology, orthopedic surgery, otolaryngology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, thoracic surgery and urology. Together, these specialties encompass the full course of care that most surgical patients receive.

According to lead editor David Solomon, MD, MACP, the most important finding is that "there is a paucity of data about decision-making, processes of care and outcomes of surgery in older adults. Given that those age 65% and older undergo 40% of surgical procedures in the US, it is imperative that we create an evidence base that will improve their outcomes."

New Frontiers addresses the need for aging-related research activities in each specialty as well as issues that cut across specialties such as managing pain and preventing post-operative delirium. It is based on extensive, systematic reviews of the literature summarizing the findings of recent research, after which research agenda items are proposed that would fill knowledge gaps or attempt to settle controversies or inconsistencies.

Edited by Dr. Solomon, (a geriatrician), Joseph LoCicero III, MD, FACS (a thoracic surgeon) and Ronnie Ann Rosenthal, MD, FACS (a general surgeon), the hope is that New Frontiers will lead to increased research activity, attraction of new researchers into the geriatrics-for-specialists field, more research grants submitted and more funds allocated to this field by major granting agencies.

The development of New Frontiers was supported by the AGS/John A. Hartford Foundation project, Increasing Geriatrics Expertise in Surgical and Related Medical Specialties (Geriatrics-for-Specialists) and may be downloaded from the AGS Web site at www.americangeriatrics.org.

Click here to access the online version of this ground-breaking to develop a research agenda for surgical and related medical specialists on the care of older adults.

Founded in 1942, the American Geriatrics Society is a nationwide, not-for-profit association of geriatrics health care professionals dedicated to improving the health, independence and quality of life of all older people. The Society supports this mission through activities in clinical practice, professional and public education, research and public policy. With an active membership of over 6,700 health care professionals, the Society has become a pivotal force in shaping attitudes, policies and practices in geriatric medicine.