Examination of the Factors Affecting the Cognitive Levels and Recovery Status of Geriatric Patients Undergoing Surgical Intervention

Introduction: The aim of this study was to examine the factors affecting the cognitive levels and recovery status of geriatric patients who undergo surgical intervention. Materials and Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that was conducted between December 30, 2021-August 30, 2022 with 250 geriatric patients who underwent major surgical intervention in the cardiovascular, orthopedics, and general surgery departments of a hospital in Turkey. The descriptive data form, postoperative recovery index, and mini-mental state examination were used as data collection forms. The data of the study were collected with geriatric patients who were in the 48–72-hour postoperative period. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences 24.0. Results: The mean age, mini-mental test score and recovery index score of the patients are 69.70±4.81, 24.71±3.07, 2.29±0.33 respectively. It was found that the risk of cognitive impairment increased with increasing age. It was determined that the day of hospitalization before the operation, the application of general anesthesia, the duration of anesthesia, the first mobilization time, the malnutrition, the intensive care stay in the postoperative period made recovery difficult. A negative statistically significant relationship was found between the mini-mental state examination score and postoperative recovery index scores. Conclusion: Approximately half of the patients were at risk of cognitive impairment, which negatively affected the postoperative recovery process. A comprehensive preoperative evaluation of geriatric patients, provision of optimal nutrition, and early mobilization during the postoperative period will positively affect the recovery process. In-service training on the care of geriatric patients is recommended for healthcare professionals.