Geriatric interventions: the evidence base for comprehensive health care services for older people.
Specialist geriatric services apply a comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluation and management approach to the multidimensional and usually interrelated medical, functional and psychosocial problems faced by at-risk frail elderly people. This paper examines currently available data on geriatric interventions and finds ample evidence supporting both the efficacy and the cost-effectiveness of these specialist interventions when utilised in appropriately targeted patients. It is proposed that substantial investment in these programs is required to meet the future demands of Australia's ageing population.
Cordato
Nicholas J
NJ
Geriatric Medicine, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145. Nicholas_Cordato@wsahs.nsw.gov.au
Saha
Sabari
S
Price
Michael A
MA
D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D009313:National Health Programs