WHEN YOUR PATIENT IS HOSPITALIZED - TIPS FOR PRIMARY-CARE PHYSICIANS

Outcomes of hospitalization of elderly patients can be improved throug h a systematic and comprehensive approach that physicians can incorpor ate into their practices. The first step is to recognize the patients who are at risk for functional decline in hospital, despite appropriat e treatment of their acute illness. Many of these patients will presen t with one or more of the common geriatric syndromes: functional depen dency, cognitive dysfunction (delirium), mood disorders (depression), and malnutrition. The next step is to avoid iatrogenic illness from di agnostic tests or medications and deconditioning due to immobility. Fi nally, discharge planning can help to ensure that patients receive nee ded services when they leave the hospital.