ACS, The Leapfrog Group Launch Recognized Leader in Geriatric Surgery Program

Hospitals that provide high-quality surgical care for older adults will soon be eligible to earn the Recognized Leader in Geriatric Surgery designation, a new program from the ACS and The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog organization focused on patient safety, quality, and transparency in healthcare. 

The new designation combines evidence-based standards from the ACS Geriatric Surgery Verification Program (GSV) and patient safety measures from the Leapfrog Hospital Survey and Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade to help patients, caregivers, employers, health plans, and health care purchasers identify hospitals committed to safe, effective, patient-centered surgical care for older adults.

To earn the Recognized Leader in Geriatric Surgery designation, hospitals must participate in the ACS GSV program, achieve an A or B Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, and demonstrate strong performance on key patient safety measures from the Leapfrog Hospital Survey. These measures include medication safety practices such as computerized prescriber order entry, bar code medication administration, medication reconciliation, and the use of a safe surgery checklist. 

The Leapfrog Hospital Survey and Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade complement the GSV standards by evaluating hospitals on nationally recognized patient safety and quality measures.

“Older adults face higher risks when undergoing surgery, and factors like frailty can significantly increase the likelihood of complications. They benefit greatly from shared decision-making and care designed specifically for their goals,” said Clifford Y. Ko, MD, MS, MSHS, FACS, Senior Vice President, Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care, American College of Surgeons. “By working with The Leapfrog Group, we can recognize hospitals that are meeting rigorous standards and advancing surgical care for older patients.”

Hospitals will be eligible to earn the designation beginning in 2027. 

The ACS and The Leapfrog Group will host a free webinar on August 13 at 1:00 pm ET to provide an overview of the program. Registration is required.

Learn more about the Recognized Leader in Geriatric Surgery program.