Evaluation of nursing home patients. A systematic approach can improve care

As the US population ages, the proportion of patients receiving long-term care is increasing. To meet the challenge of providing quality care for these patients, physicians need to be prepared to efficiently evaluate their needs and formulate individualized care plans. In this article, Drs King and Lipsky discuss the unique aspects of caring for nursing home patients, including the role of patients' families in the overall plan. They present a practical, structured approach to evaluation and follow-up care, which they have encapsulated into two handy assessment forms.