INTERVENTIONS IN PHYSICIAN ELDERLY PATIENT INTERACTIONS

Currently, most research in the area of physician-elderly patient inte ractions relates to either outcome, context, or interaction styles. Th ere are limited data in the area of intervention studies. The authors recognize five specific areas of interventional research to consider: communication during encounters, characteristics of older patients, ph ysical impairments, physician attributes, and the team approach to hea lth care. Also highlighted are recognition and evaluation of the speci al needs of elderly patients through geriatric assessment. The authors recognize the need for more intervention studies that attempt to chan ge patient or physician behaviors and the applicability of the classic randomized controlled model of research. Overall, the authors contend that the formation of strong, meaningful relationships between elderl y patients and their physicians is best achieved through effective med ical communication and care, and thus should be the function of approp riate interventions.