This piece considers the need to understand the patient having surgery and the complexity with which they present so we can match our skills to them. Developing these skills requires new approaches; to education and training at undergraduate and postgraduate level; to challenge the old ways of delivering perioperative care. This requires new ways of working, the breaking down of silos, a rethink of the financial support that is required and that we share good practice rather than 'reinventing the wheel'. It also means ensuring that we continue to gain evidence from the real world of clinical medicine, whether that's through original research or through employing quality improvement and implementation science.

More on Proactive care for Older People undergoing Surgery (POPS) here: https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/our-services/ageing-and-health/specialties/pops/overview.aspx

If you enjoy this piece you'll love our series here: "POPS Part 1| TopMed talk at Guy's and St Thomas's Hospital in Central London" - https://www.topmedtalk.com/pops-part-1-topmed-talk-at-guys-and-st-thomass-hospital-in-central-london/

Presented by Jugdeep Dhesi, Clinical Lead for "Proactive care for Older People undergoing Surgery" (POPS) and Consultant Geriatrician, Guys and St Thomas' NHS Trust.