General practitioner views of a new specialist Department of Medicine for the Elderly.
The reactions of General Practitioners (GPs) in an area served by a new Department of Medicine for the Elderly (Geriatric Medicine) are described. 89% of GPs thought the new service had brought significant benefits to their patients, The department operated an over 80 admission policy for acute medical admissions. After two years in operation 59% of doctors felt this should be lowered with 4% suggesting it should be raised. Rehabilitation and respite admissions were other features of the new service that had approval ratings of over 70% by the doctors surveyed. It is suggested that a Department of Medicine for the Elderly with a policy of rapid assessment and high turnover is appreciated by GPs. While local circumstances will often dictate policy it is suggested that an age-related admission procedure will minimise difficulty for patient and referring practitioner alike.
Collins
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Limerick Regional Hospital, Dooradoyle.
Clinch
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Liston
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D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires