Behavioral Activation and Medication Optimization for Perioperative Mental Health Feasibility Study

Inadequate management of preoperative mental health disorders often contributes to poor postoperative outcomes, including increased rates of readmission, delirium, falls, and mortality. However, very little work has been done to improve perioperative mental health. In particular, there have been limited systematic efforts that identify evidence-based behavioral and pharmacological strategies that were originally developed for depression and anxiety in otherwise medically well psychiatric patients. A mental health intervention bundle, composed of behavioral and pharmacological strategies, can mitigate anxiety and depression symptoms during the perioperative period. However, lacking is conclusive evidence on effectiveness of such an intervention bundle focused on the delivery of perioperative mental health care in older surgical patients. Towards this end, the investigators will develop and test an intervention bundle that encompasses: (1) behavioral activation, and (2) medication optimization.