Developing Effective Co-Management Programs to Address the Needs of Inpatient Geriatric Services

As the population in the United States ages, there is a growing demand for geriatric care within hospitals. Medical practice administrators and healthcare IT managers need to enhance inpatient services tailored for older adults. Developing co-management programs in hospitals is now an essential strategy to ensure that geriatric patients receive the care they require.

Understanding Co-Management Programs

Co-management programs involve teamwork among different healthcare specialists to improve care for older adults needing complex medical treatment. These programs create partnerships between medical and surgical teams within hospitals. This teamwork enhances care quality and patient outcomes through the use of interdisciplinary teams.

An example of an effective program is at the Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix. Under Dr. Nimit Agarwal’s leadership, the hospital created an age-friendly co-management initiative. This program focuses on shared responsibilities between medical and surgical partners to address seniors’ health needs. The collaborative approach manages the medical and emotional challenges faced by these patients.

The Importance of Geriatric Inpatient Services

Implementing co-management programs is important because older adults have unique needs during hospitalization. As patients age, they often have multiple health issues that complicate treatment. For example, seniors may suffer from conditions like dementia, heart disease, and mobility issues. These complexities require a comprehensive approach that includes various specialties for complete care.

Dr. Agarwal’s work shows the urgent need for specialized geriatric inpatient services. By identifying gaps in care during hospital stays, he and his team have created new protocols. These protocols address common issues like identifying delirium and managing mobility challenges. Such proactive measures can reduce adverse outcomes and improve overall patient experience.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

The effectiveness of geriatric co-management programs depends on collaboration across disciplines. At Banner – UMC Phoenix, a model called Virtual Acute Care of Elders (vACE) has been set up, where various healthcare professionals—geriatricians, nurses, case managers, pharmacists, and nutritionists—work together to create a care plan for each patient. This teamwork reflects the complexities of geriatric care by combining each specialist’s expertise to lead to better assessments and personalized care.

Creating successful co-management programs also requires training and awareness among medical staff about the needs of geriatric patients. Ongoing education helps healthcare professionals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to address the unique challenges faced by older adults in hospitals. Furthermore, training helps them understand and apply evidence-based practices that enhance care delivery.

The Role of Technology in Geriatric Care

Technology plays an important role in co-management programs. Advances in healthcare technologies, especially electronic medical records (EMRs), help streamline patient information and facilitate communication among healthcare teams. Dr. Agarwal has effectively used EMR technology to implement protocols that identify critical care gaps, allowing clinicians to monitor patients’ conditions efficiently and respond quickly to their needs.

Additionally, hospitals can incorporate telemedicine into their co-management strategies. Telemedicine provides geriatric patients access to specialists without transportation issues or long waits. Virtual consultations ensure continuity of care, especially for those with mobility challenges. This integration not only improves patient satisfaction but also helps reduce hospital readmissions.

Advancements in Artificial Intelligence

Recently, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has assisted in providing more efficient patient care. Dr. Agarwal is a leader in this area, developing a device called SeVA—Senior’s Virtual Assistant. This technology has the potential to predict falls, cognitive declines, and act as a bedside companion for seniors. By integrating AI into geriatric care, clinicians can proactively tackle potential health issues and enhance patients’ experiences.

Workflow Automation in Geriatric Care

AI’s role in co-management programs includes workflow automation. Medical practice administrators and IT managers can simplify various administrative tasks, allowing healthcare professionals to focus on patient interactions. For instance, AI can handle scheduling, patient follow-ups, and data entry into EMRs. Reducing administrative burdens gives healthcare teams more time to provide quality care and connect with elderly patients.

Another benefit of automation is monitoring patient health. Devices with AI can track vital signs, identify anomalies, and alert healthcare teams in real-time when action is necessary. This proactive monitoring can prevent critical health events, enhancing the safety of geriatric patients in hospitals.

Measuring Outcomes and Program Effectiveness

To ensure co-management programs succeed in geriatric inpatient services, it is essential to measure patient care outcomes. Ongoing evaluation helps administrators identify areas needing improvement and evaluate success. Metrics such as readmission rates, incidences of delirium, patient satisfaction, and adherence to care protocols are vital indicators of program performance.

By monitoring these outcomes, healthcare organizations can make informed decisions about resource allocation, staff training, and necessary adjustments to care models. This data-driven approach allows hospitals to consistently improve services in response to the changing needs of the geriatric population.

Engaging Families in Geriatric Care

Family involvement is crucial for the effective implementation of co-management programs. Educating families about the co-management approach can lead to informed care decisions and greater support for the patient’s health journey. Geriatric patients often depend on families for emotional and practical support, making it essential to involve them in care discussions and decision-making processes to improve satisfaction and compliance.

Furthermore, hospitals should provide families with resources and tools to help them understand their loved ones’ health conditions. This engagement can reduce anxiety for family members, ensuring they know their loved ones receive comprehensive care from a coordinated professional team.

Challenges in Implementing Co-Management Programs

Despite the advantages, challenges exist in implementing co-management programs in geriatric services. One significant challenge is resource availability. Many hospitals may experience staffing shortages or lack adequate funding to create interdisciplinary teams. Additionally, resistance to change may come from healthcare providers used to traditional care models.

To tackle these challenges, healthcare administrators must promote the benefits of co-management programs to staff and stakeholders. Education and training, as well as fostering a collaborative culture, can encourage provider buy-in and create a more positive environment for teamwork.

Involving leadership and providing adequate training for all stakeholders is key to long-term success. By prioritizing these areas, organizations can overcome initial challenges and implement effective care solutions that benefit both staff and patients in the geriatric population.

Final Thoughts

As the United States continues to age, the need for co-management programs in geriatric inpatient services is more urgent than ever. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, technology use, and family engagement, hospitals can create effective systems for older adults’ needs.

Dr. Nimit Agarwal’s work at Banner – UMC Phoenix illustrates the value of these programs, showing that a structured approach to geriatric care can enhance hospital outcomes. Medical practice administrators and IT managers have the responsibility to make these strategies feasible, ensuring safe and effective care for vulnerable populations.