Clinical intervention trials: the ACE unit.
The loss of independent self-care by older patients during hospitalization for an acute illness can be modified by specific interventions. Acute care geriatric units appear to be the most effective intervention, but geriatric consultation on specific units, comprehensive discharge planning, and nutritional support also appear to have beneficial effects on clinical outcomes of hospitalization. These studies highlight the potential of geriatricians, in the setting of interdisciplinary care, to improve the process of patient care and to serve as directors of medical units that focus on management of acutely ill older patients.
Palmer
R M
RM
Section of Geriatric Medicine, the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio 44195, USA. PALMERR@CESMTP.CCF.ORG
Counsell
S
S
Landefeld
C S
CS
D000208:Acute Disease / Q000451:nursing; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D014481:United States