Randomised trial of in-hospital geriatric intervention: impact on function and morale.

Background: In two previous publications, we have shown that treatment of acutely sick, frail elderly patients in a Geriatric Evaluation and Management Unit (GEMU) compared to treatment in the general Medical Wards (MW) reduced mortality and improved the chances of living at home in contrast to living in nursing homes or being dead.

Objective: The aim of this presentation was to study the impact on function, symptoms of depression and general well-being of treatment in the GEMU as compared to treatment in MW.

Methods: Acutely sick, frail patients aged >or=75 years, admitted as emergencies to the Department of Internal Medicine, were randomised either to treatment in the GEMU (n = 127) or the MW (n = 127).

Acute geriatric intervention increases the number of patients able to live at home. A prospective randomized study.

Background And Aims: In a previous publication, we showed that treatment of acutely sick, frail elderly patients in a Geriatric Evaluation and Management Unit (GEMU) reduced mortality considerably when compared with the general Medical Wards (MW). The aim of this presentation was to study the impact of treatment in a GEMU on health care utilization.

Methods: Acutely sick, frail patients, 75 years or older, who had been admitted as emergencies to the Department of Internal Medicine were randomized either to treatment in the GEMU (n=127) or to continued treatment in the MW (n=127).

Reduced mortality in treating acutely sick, frail older patients in a geriatric evaluation and management unit. A prospective randomized trial.

Objectives: Documentation of treatment effects in acutely sick frail older patients in geriatric evaluation and management units (GEMUs) is scarce. The present study evaluated whether treatment in a GEMU would reduce mortality as compared to traditional treatment delivered in the Department of Internal Medicine.

Design: Prospective randomized trial.