[Reforming the healthcare for older patients with co-morbidity].
On hospital admission, older people generally have various, interacting comorbid conditions and an increased risk of fatal or nearly fatal events. This complex presentation necessitates a patient-centred healthcare instead of the initiation of various non-integrated disease strategies along the lines ofthe traditional (sub-)specialties. An international comparison of life expectancy after age 65 shows that the Netherlands is progressively lagging behind other European countries and countries elsewhere in the world. This observation indicates a necessity to reform the Dutch healthcare system to better meet the complex needs of older people.
Westendorp
R G J
RG
Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum, afd. Ouderengeneeskunde, Postbus 9600, 2300 RC Leiden. r.g.j.westendorp@lumc.nl
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015897:Comorbidity; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D008017:Life Expectancy; D009426:Netherlands; D011787:Quality of Health Care