abstract: There is much negative publicity about the health care for the frail elderly especially in nursing homes. However, in scientific research programs the results are also quite disappointing. We see a low percentage (< 50 %) of treatment fidelity in the intervention programs at stake. Research on the education content with respect to the frail elderly showed that this is very poor for every profession. From the perspective of formal education the professionals who provide treatment and care the frail elderly are relatively unqualified and incompetent. Government, health inspection and umbrella organizations should focus on solving this issue instead of enforcing their control mechanisms. Formal education is the hallmark of quality treatment and care especially in case of complex and unpredictable health problems of the frail elderly. If we don't change our policy and don't invest in the solution of fundamental educational shortcomings we continue to build on quicksand.To formulate and subscribe a smart covenant by the key players to solve this issue within five years is imperative.
authors.affiliation: Kenniscentrum Zorginnovatie. Lectoraat Functiebehoud Ouderen, Hogeschool Rotterdam, Rochussenstraat 198, 3015 EK, Rotterdam, Nederland. a.j.e.m.bakker@hr.nl.
authors.forename: T J E M
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Bakker
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000592:standards*; D016330:Frail Elderly; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D009426:Netherlands; D011787:Quality of Health Care
keywords: Frail elderly; Lack of education; Layback government and inspection; Professional qualification and competence