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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
An example of an effective program is at the Banner \u2013 University Medical Center Phoenix. Under Dr. Nimit Agarwal\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Dr. Agarwal\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
The effectiveness of geriatric co-management programs depends on collaboration across disciplines. At Banner \u2013 UMC Phoenix, a model called Virtual Acute Care of Elders (vACE) has been set up, where various healthcare professionals\u2014geriatricians, nurses, case managers, pharmacists, and nutritionists\u2014work 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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