The Surgical Pause Initiative won the 2023 award for patient safety and quality.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding its Surgical Pause Initiative across the nation. Already operating in 50 VA facilities, the initiative received the 2023 John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Award for its innovative approach to improving health outcomes for Veterans undergoing surgery. This program quickly screens veterans for frailty using a risk analysis index, identifying high-risk patients, and allowing for tailored treatment plans.
The screening initiative has shown a significant decrease in one-year mortality rates from 20 percent to 16 percent, according to a 2023 JAMA Surgery study of over 50,000 patients.
“The Surgical Pause is an innovative, data-driven clinical practice that saves Veterans’ lives by predicting and preventing complications before they happen,” said Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal. “We are thrilled to be rolling out the Surgical Pause across the nation as a part of VA’s steadfast commitment to providing Veterans with high-quality, world-class health care they deserve.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Under Secretary Elnahal to be prudent as he facilitates the Surgical Pause Initiative.
- For Secretary Denis McDonough to receive God’s wisdom as he heads the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- With thanks to the Lord for the veterans’ lives the initiative has spared or improved.
Sources: Department of Veterans Affairs
