A randomized, controlled trial of outpatient geriatric evaluation and management in a large public hospital.
OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of outpatient geriatric evaluation and management on physical function, mental status, and subjective well-being.


METHODS
Prospective randomized controlled trial with a 1-year study period.


METHODS
Large medical school-affiliated public hospital in an urban community.


METHODS
Patients at least 70 years old admitted to the medicine service were screened, randomized, and completed a 1-year follow-up interview.


METHODS
Comprehensive geriatric evaluation and an outpatient care management program.


METHODS
Mental status (SPMSQ), ADL (Katz Index), IADL (Five-Item OARS Scale), Life satisfaction (LSI-Z), and self-perception of health status (physical health section of OARS).


RESULTS
No significant differences were found for cognitive status, ADL functioning, life satisfaction, nursing home placement, or mortality. The experimental patients reported significantly higher function in IADL and more favorable self-perception of health status compared with controls.


CONCLUSIONS
Outpatient comprehensive geriatric evaluation and management appears to be a useful model for providing care to medically frail elderly patients.
Rubin
C D
CD
Dept. of Internal Medicine, Univ. of Texas Southwestern Medical Ctr., Dallas 75235-8889.
Sizemore
M T
MT
Loftis
P A
PA
de Mola
N L
NL
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D006760:Hospitalization; D006779:Hospitals, Public; D006801:Humans; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D009026:Mortality; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies