title: [The role of the geriatrician in the organization of the health care system].
abstract: The purpose of this paper is to define the role of the geriatrician in the organization of the health care for the elderly. In Belgium, the healthcare program for the geriatric patient defines the various functions; at present, the classical geriatric hospitalization, the hospital day care, and the internal links within the hospital are well developed around the geriatrician. The standardized, comprehensive geriatric assessment of hospitalized patients has demonstrated its value for the prevention of functional decline. The efficiency of the day care services and of the link teams remains to be further appraised. Outside the hospital, the general practionner plays the major role in the treatment of the elderly living at home, or in nursing homes. The demographic evolution and the frailty of the elderly require a good coordination of all those involved in the care of the aged. A model of healthcare organization is proposed to better coordinate the in- and out of hospital activities.
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Petermans
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019091:Critical Pathways / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010819:Physician's Role; D013038:Specialization