IMPACT OF A NEW GERIATRIC PROGRAM IN A HOSPITAL FOR CHRONICALLY ILL

Abstract

The rapidly increasing proportion of persons in Canada, aged over 65 yr and the resultant need for changes in the health care system prompted experimental changes in the operation and training procedures at a hospital in Ontario. Aimed at better patient care and at better education of medical house staff in geriatrics and long-term care, the revised program was permeated with the philosophy of rehabilitation. It includes full-time staff, a geriatric outpatient clinic, a day hospital, a team approach to patient care (with regular team audits), problem-oriented medical records, a formal physical medicine section with a distinct inpatient unit, and an intensive inservice education program. After the 1st yr of the program patient outcome improved and more efficient use was made of continuing care beds because of larger numbers of patients being discharged home after shorter stays.