Improving Care Using a Bidirectional Geriatric Cardiology Consultative Conference

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Interdisciplinary Care Models

Background:

• Over 13 million older adults in the US have cardiovascular disease (CVD), a number projected to grow significantly.
• Older adults with CVD present unique challenges including comorbidities, physiological changes, and distinct care goals.
• Traditional cardiology management may not fully address the complex needs of geriatric patients with CVD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the urgent need for specialized care strategies for older adults with CVD.
• To foster collaboration between geriatricians, cardiologists, and other specialists.
• To establish a model for geriatric-informed cardiovascular care.

Main Methods:

• Establishment of a monthly Geriatric Cardiology Conference.
• In-depth discussion and analysis of active patient cases.
• Consensus-building among interdisciplinary specialists on optimal treatment strategies.

Main Results:

• The conference successfully unites faculty and trainees from geriatrics, cardiology, and cardiothoracic surgery.
• Facilitates collaborative decision-making for complex geriatric cardiology cases.
• Provides a framework for developing tailored treatment plans.

Conclusions:

• The Geriatric Cardiology Conference model promotes an integrative approach to managing older adults with CVD.
• This collaborative model can serve as a paradigm for other institutions.
• Specialized geriatric expertise is crucial for optimizing cardiovascular care in the elderly.