title: [The orthopedic-geriatric unit: a new model of hospital care].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Cattedra di Geriatria, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore di Roma.
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Incalzi
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bernabei
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Carbonin
mesh_terms: 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*
vernacular_title: L'unità ortogeriatrica: un nuovo modello di assistenza ospedaliera.