ACS and Leapfrog Group Unveil Geriatric Surgery Recognition Program

The program integrates evidence-based standards from the ACS Geriatric Surgery Verification (GSV) process with patient safety metrics from the Leapfrog Hospital Survey and Hospital Safety Grade. To qualify for the Recognized Leader designation, institutions must maintain an A or B safety grade while demonstrating success in critical areas such as medication reconciliation, barcode administration, and the implementation of standardized safe surgery checklists.

Beyond basic safety, participating hospitals must adopt specialized protocols designed to address the unique medical and social needs of older patients. These include comprehensive geriatric assessments, structured mobility programs, and proactive discharge planning to minimize post-operative complications. Clifford Y. Ko of the ACS noted that these standards directly address the heightened risks of frailty, emphasizing that care must be tailored to the specific recovery goals of older adults. The organizations will host an introductory webinar on August 13 to guide interested facilities through the new requirements.