Clinical research for older adults in rural areas: the MINDED study experience.

Due to the growing need to make clinical decisions based on valid and objective scientific evidence, the number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has increased over the last three decades. Nevertheless, evidence-based medicine has still limited applicability in older adults, because they are often excluded from clinical trials. Evidence-based medicine is even more challenging in rural areas, as its remote environment provides additional barriers.

[Difficulties encountered and solutions provided in the implementation of a multidisciplinary intervention for the prevention of dependency in the older population in rural areas: the MINDED study].

Prevent increased number of dependent elderly has become a new priority for European public health. To achieve this, it is necessary to identify the frail older persons at risk of becoming dependent. Detecting frailty also allows to better understand an old patient's physiological reserves before making a therapeutic decision.