The Relevance and Added Value of Geriatric Medicine (GM): Introducing GM to Non-GeriatriciansShow others and affiliations
2021 (English)In: Journal of Clinical Medicine, E-ISSN 2077-0383, Vol. 10, no 14, article id 3018Article, review/survey (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]
Geriatric Medicine (GM) holds a crucial role in promoting health and managing the complex medical, cognitive, social, and psychological issues of older people. However, basic principles of GM, essential for optimizing the care of older people, are commonly unknown or undermined, especially in countries where GM is still under development. This narrative review aims at providing insights into the role of GM to non-geriatrician readers and summarizing the main aspects of the added value of a geriatric approach across the spectrum of healthcare. Health practitioners of all specialties are frequently encountered with clinical conditions, common in older patients (such as cancer, hypertension, delirium, major neurocognitive and mental health disorders, malnutrition, and peri-operative complications), which could be more appropriately managed under the light of the approach of GM. The role of allied health professionals with specialized knowledge and skills in dealing with older peoples issues is essential, and a multidisciplinary team is required for the delivery of optimal care in response to the needs and aspirations of older people. Thus, countries should assure the educational background of all health care providers and the specialized health and social care services required to meet the demands of a rapidly aging society.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
MDPI , 2021. Vol. 10, no 14, article id 3018
Keywords [en]
geriatric medicine; non-geriatricians; clinical practice; added value; geriatric approach
National Category
Health Care Service and Management, Health Policy and Services and Health Economy
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-178437DOI: 10.3390/jcm10143018ISI: 000677368200001PubMedID: 34300184OAI: oai:DiVA.org:liu-178437DiVA, id: diva2:1588054
Note
Funding Agencies|Faculte de Medicine, Universite de Lorraine, France
2021-08-262021-08-262021-08-26