title: Promoting positive outcomes for elderly persons in the hospital: prevention and risk factor modification.
abstract: The hospitalized elderly are at an increased risk for poor outcomes such as increased length of stay, readmissions, functional decline, and iatrogenic complications, as compared with other age groups. Research related to the hospitalized elderly has identified factors associated with poor outcomes. Nurses and other healthcare team members may be able to identify elderly patients at risk for poor outcomes and target modifiable factors to minimize their negative impact. Clinical experience and research validate the conclusion that multidimensional, preventive risk factor modification balanced with acute illness treatment can result in positive outcomes for elderly patients.
authors.affiliation: Southeastern Regional Geriatric Program, Providence Continuing Care Centre, 340 Union Street, Kingston, Ontario K7L 5A2. hartb@pccc.kari.net
authors.forename: Brian D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Hart
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Birkas
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lachmann
authors.forename: Leslie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Saunders
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003221:Confusion / Q000150:complications; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000150:complications; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D019338:Polypharmacy; D012307:Risk Factors; D012944:Social Support