Prevent Unnecessary Surgeries

November 14, 2018

Research shows that patients with frailty characteristics often have a harder time recovering from surgery. To ensure patients are healthy enough to undergo surgery, UPMC launched a frailty assessment tool. The Risk Analysis Index (RAI) is a 14-item, single page questionnaire that patients over age 18 must complete before elective surgery. Patients identified as potentially frail receive additional evaluation during a “surgical pause.” The surgical pause provides clinicians an opportunity to take a step back, gather more information, talk with the patient and ensure that the care plan is truly patient-centered.

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This creation of some site content was partially funded through a Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute® (PCORI®) Eugene Washington PCORI Engagement Award (4109-ACHPF).

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