Socially conscious surgical care must prioritize older adults.

Abstract

A commentary on social justice issues in geriatric surgery FUTURE DIRECTIONS: Recognizing social determinants of health and racism as a contributing mechanism for inequities in the care of older adult surgical patients KNOWLEDGE GAPS: Identifying the role of the surgeon in achieving health equity for older adults PURPOSE: Increase recognition of opportunities for antiracist care in everyday surgical practice, including shared decision-making and palliative care STATE OF THE ART: Patient treatment goals documented in their own words. Social needs screening in older adult surgical patients TECHNOLOGY GAPS: Platform for clear documentation of surgical treatments offered and patient treatment goals, social determinants of health and social risk factors, and collaborative treatment and discharge plans discussed across multidisciplinary, elder-friendly teams.