Geriatric medicine services for older surgical patients in acute hospitals: Results from a binational survey

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Abstract
Objective: To describe perioperative geriatric medicine services in Australia and New Zealand, and to explore geriatricians’ views on the need for and challenges in providing perioperative care.Method: An electronic questionnaire was sent to heads of geriatric medicine departments.Results: Sixty‐seven (83%) of 81 identified geriatric medicine departments responded. Twelve (18%) departments provide a proactive surgical‐geriatric medicine service. Their most common features were regular geriatric medicine ward rounds (100%), medication review (92%) and attendance at multidisciplinary meetings (83%). All respondents thought there was a need for geriatric medicine to provide greater input into the care of older surgical patients. Lack of funding (88%) and not enough geriatricians (58%) were the major perceived barriers.Conclusions: Although geriatricians believe they should provide proactive collaborative care for older surgical patients, only a few hospitals currently provide these services. Funding streams for these services and further research to determine the best models of care are needed.
Funding Information
  • National Health and Medical Research Council

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