A survey of acute geriatric care models in Denmark

Acute geriatric care models provide short, time-limited care for patients aged ≥ 65 years with acute medical illness, typically within 48 hours of presentation, in both hospital and community settings. These models have gained international interest; yet national coverage and organisation in Denmark have not been mapped. We aimed to identify all active acute geriatric care models across Denmark and to describe their core functions and the frequency with which these functions are deployed.

A questionnaire from the Special Interest Group in Acute and Cross-sectoral Geriatrics (Danish Geriatrics Society), distributed in 2025, captured geography, team composition and routine assessment elements. Descriptive analyses summarised active sites and assessment components.

All hospital-based geriatric units (20/20) answered the questionnaire. Across regions, 12 of 20 hospital-based geriatric units reported having an active acute geriatric function. All care models (12/12) performed diagnostic assessment, patient-centred evaluation and treatment elements of comprehensive geriatric assessment, physical examination and laboratory testing. Other elements, such as ECG, ultrasound, frailty assessment, interdisciplinary review and community care coordination, were reported variably (n = 4-10/12).

Acute geriatric care models are present nationwide but vary widely in visitation, team composition, assessments and follow-up. Establishing common guidelines may promote consistent and equitable care and reduce unwarranted variation in quality of care.

None.

Not relevant.