Pilot program to offer comprehensive geriatric assessments before major surgery.

Implementation Pilot of Preoperative CGA Referral Process for Older Patients Undergoing Major Surgery

Not applicable Interventional University of Wisconsin, Madison · NCT06184724

This pilot will try a system-level package to see if more people aged 80 and older can get a full comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) before elective major surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment42 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Wisconsin, Madison Academic / other
Locations1 site (Madison, Wisconsin)
Trial IDNCT06184724 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The study applies a system-level implementation package that streamlines referrals and provides education to surgeons and clinic staff to increase preoperative comprehensive geriatric assessments (CGA) for older adults. Participants include patients aged 80 or older scheduled for elective inpatient major surgery and the medical and surgical providers who care for them. Outcomes compare the proportion of eligible older adults who receive a full CGA (reach) and the rate at which providers use CGA (adoption) against a historical baseline. Findings will inform the design of a larger trial that combines implementation strategies with testing of clinical effectiveness.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal participants are patients aged 80 or older scheduled for elective inpatient major surgery, along with the surgeons and clinic staff in their care pathways.

Not a fit: Patients under 80, those undergoing emergency or outpatient procedures, or anyone not treated at the participating University of Wisconsin site are unlikely to benefit from this pilot.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the package could increase access to preoperative CGA for older adults, enabling more tailored care planning before major surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Preoperative CGA programs and implementation efforts have been tried in other centers with promising but variable results, so this pilot builds on existing, mixed evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patient aged 80 or older who is scheduled for an elective inpatient major surgery
2. Providers working in a clinic (aged 18 and older) where pCGA is performed or a related anesthesia pre-operative clinic
3. Surgeons (adults older than 18) with a patient aged 80 or older who is scheduled for an elective inpatient major surgery

Exclusion criteria:

* None

Where this trial is running

Madison, Wisconsin

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions SurgeryGeriatric AssessmentHealth Services ResearchImplementation Science
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.