Interaction with other health team members in caring for elderly patients

Comprehensive health care of the geriatric patient requires thoughtful communication and coordination of services. Unlike young adults, older patients are likely to be frail, have multiple chronic conditions, and experience disability. Hence they are more likely to depend on others for help and to see a variety of health professionals at different sites. This complexity demands that health care professionals consider their care not in isolation, but as part of a team. They must ensure that other members of the team are kept informed and are consulted as appropriate to ensure safe and effective care. Accomplishing this goal requires being acquainted with the usual care providers, the necessary information for sharing, and the most effective communication methods within the team.