Impact of a Geriatric Consultation Team on Discharge Placement and Repeat Hospitalization

Abstract

A randomized controlled trial of a Geriatric Consultation Team in an acute care hospital was conducted among 185 veterans age 75 and older. Compared to the control group, intervention group patients were more likely to have recommendations concerning discharge planning and long-term care initiated. The two groups were similar in terms of placement at discharge and 6-month follow-up. Preadmission location, functional status, mental status, occurrence of a hospital-acquired complication, and implementation of discharge planning were significantly associated with discharge placement.