Page 207 - Risk quantification and modification in older patients with colorectal cancer

A final suggestion for improving pre-and postoperative care for older patients is concerning the role of the Dutch ColoRectal Audit (DCRA) in this process. Audit date from the DCRA has been an important data source for research and has itself shown to be useful for quality improvement and reducing health care cost.33,34 Therefore, we also propose that the DCRA from now on should include pre- and postoperative geriatric parameters, including physical functioning, to provide more opportunities for research. As more than 50% of patients in this registry is ≥ 70 years, it seems time to adopt initiatives such as the American College of Surgeons (ACS) geriatric audit pilot where standard preoperative geriatric data were collected for all older patients in this database.35
Conclusion
Improved risk assessment for older CRC is possible when demographics, tumour and geriatric predictors are combined. Directing interventions for high-risk patients could ultimately lead to improved outcomes, including quality of life and functionality.
General discussion and future perspectives
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