[Experiences of a geriatric team attached to a hospital]

The Geriatric Team in Glostrup Hospital was established on 1. Oct. 1990. The object of the team is to carry out relevant and rapid geriatric assessment by means of a multidisciplinary structure where hospitalized persons and persons living at home are concerned. During the first six months, 247 patients were referred to the team (83% from other hospital departments and 17% from general practitioners). Subsequently, 116 patients (47%) were referred to the subacute geriatric section and 28 (12%) to the other geriatric departments of the hospital. Out of the 41 patients who were assessed in their homes after referral by the general practitioner, treatment could be concluded in 22 (54%) without hospitalization. The close association with the other geriatric functions and the other departments of the hospital has proved decisive for the function of the team. The extroverted and rapid treatment has implied that the geriatric department has become much more significant in the hospital. As compared with the situation previously, many more geriatric problems could be relieved in the other departments. Parallel with consolidation of the internal function in the hospital, the aim of the team is further strengthening of cooperation with the partners in the primary community with the object of treatment the majority of elderly persons in their own homes.