Interdisciplinary care

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Healthcare Management
• Nursing Care

Background:

• Hospitalization for acute medical illness can lead to functional decline in older patients.
• Loss of functional independence is often perceived as an inevitable consequence of aging and illness.
• There is a need for effective strategies to manage the care of elderly patients during hospitalization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of an interdisciplinary team process of care for hospitalized older adults.
• To determine if this care model can prevent functional decline and restore function.
• To assess the impact on care coordination and continuity for geriatric patients.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of an interdisciplinary team process integrating geriatric assessment principles.
• Application of evidence-based guidelines for optimal medical and nursing care within an interdisciplinary setting.
• Focus on providing efficient and coordinated continuity of care for acute medical illness in older patients.

Main Results:

• Strong evidence supports the ability of this interdisciplinary care method to prevent functional decline.
• The approach is effective in restoring function among hospitalized older patients.
• Efficient and coordinated continuity of care is achieved, improving patient outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Interdisciplinary team care is a viable and effective strategy for managing older adults hospitalized with acute medical conditions.
• Functional independence can be preserved and restored, challenging the notion of inevitable decline.
• This model of care enhances the quality and coordination of healthcare for the geriatric population.