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VIDEO: Hospitalization outcomes in older adults improving

SAN DIEGO — Though hospitals are seeing an increase in geriatric patients with acute and chronic illness, and many of these patients are in frail condition by the time they arrive at the hospital, the end results are more promising than ever in these situations, according to a presenter at the ACP Internal Medicine Annual Meeting.

“With numerous new technologies, and the new incentives to change the processes of care, the 21st century looks very good for improving hospital outcomes, improving quality of life of older persons and for making a hospitalist’s job in taking care of those patients much better through interdisciplinary care,” Robert Palmer, MD, MPH, professor of internal medicine and director of geriatrics, Eastern Virginia Medical School, said.

He offered several strategies in managing these patients, which requires a collaborative approach among doctors, nurses, social workers, patients and patients’ families.

Palmer also discussed risk factors for post-operative delirium, as well as technologies and innovations for treating geriatric patients.