That was the year that was: an evidence-based clinical geriatrics update.
BACKGROUND
Physicians are faced with an ever-growing information base in medical practice. Studies regularly show a disparity between science and patient care, with scientifically validated practices often taking 20 years and more to enter mainstream clinical practice.


OBJECTIVE
To review the recent medical literature for high quality studies that practicing geriatricians should be aware of, either because they provide evidence that might lead to a change in clinical practice or because they provide insight into common geriatric syndromes.


METHODS
Overview.


METHODS
All articles abstracted or noted in ACP Journal Club, Evidence-Based Medicine, or The New York Times from July 1996 to June 1997.


METHODS
Studies that met the standards for inclusion in ACP Journal Club.


METHODS
Sampling plan (including eligibility criteria), sample size, response rate, data analysis plan, proportion available for follow-up, main outcomes and measures, main results.


RESULTS
Review of the 98 articles that met criteria resulted in the identification of several themes of importance to geriatricians, including the hazards of hospitalization, the prevention of NSAID-induced peptic ulcers, and the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease. The results of these studies expand the therapeutic armamentarium of practicing geriatricians, provide new insights into geriatric syndromes, and raise cautions about the use of certain therapies in older adults.


CONCLUSIONS
Many methodologically rigorous studies relevant to the medical care of older people have recently been published. Evidence-based medicine and the use of journals of secondary publication are useful tools to enhance the efficiency of journal reading for geriatric practitioners whose interests span the journals of several disciplines and subspecialties.
Leipzig
R M
RM
Department of Geriatrics and Adult Development, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029-6574, USA.
D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects; D003693:Delirium / Q000209:etiology; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005853:Geriatrics; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D010437:Peptic Ulcer / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control; D009626:Terminology as Topic
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal