It’s a Team Thing

Involving healthcare providers from different disciplines only enhances the care of geriatric patients. “Even though hospitalists may not have the depth of knowledge of geriatrics that a geriatrician has, they certainly have the knowledge of acute care medicine that we have, so they can manage the medical problems,” says Dr. Palmer. “What they need to do is think systematically, in a structured way, and to work collaboratively with key players. This only takes a few minutes each day, but more importantly, it saves time. You have fewer phone calls and fewer angry family members when you manage the care in a structured manner, working with a team of health professionals.”

Dr. Morley and his team have developed a form for their ACE unit that allows them to assess a patient’s status and goals in two to three minutes.

Dr. Pierluissi has experienced firsthand the benefits of working as a member of the interdisciplinary team. “Essentially,” he says, working in teams to treat the geriatric patient means there are “more heads in the game, more people trying to work in the patient’s best interest. You [the clinician] really do feel supported, and it makes your day more enjoyable and more productive.” TH

Gretchen Henkel is a medical journalist based in California.

Resources

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