[The orthopedic-geriatric unit: a new model of hospital care].
We describe here the basic characteristics and operative modalities of the acute care orthopedic-geriatric unit, an innovative model of health care for elderly trauma patients. This new unit offers several advantages over traditional models: decreased patient mortality and length of hospital stay, a lower incidence of complications, and less need for specialist consultations. No particular organizational or management problems have arisen, and the cost/benefit ratio is very low. This model has also become a valuable teaching tool and a rich source of pathophysiological and clinical data for geriatric research.
Incalzi
R A
RA
Cattedra di Geriatria, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore di Roma.
Bernabei
R
R
Carbonin
P
P
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D005853:Geriatrics; D006757:Hospital Units; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D009985:Orthopedics; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*
L'unità ortogeriatrica: un nuovo modello di assistenza ospedaliera.