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Preventive Programs for Older People: How Effective are They?
Author(s) -
Harris M.,
Byles J.,
Higginbotham N.,
Nair B.R.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
australian journal on ageing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.63
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1741-6612
pISSN - 0726-4240
DOI - 10.1111/j.1741-6612.1996.tb00018.x
Subject(s) - medicine , alternative medicine , gerontology , test (biology) , family medicine , medline , randomized controlled trial , surgery , political science , paleontology , pathology , law , biology
The purpose of the study is to critically review the empirical evidence for the effectiveness of preventive health programs for older people living in the community. A literature review of randomised controlled trials, involving subjects aged predominantly over 65 years, published in the English language, was conducted. The data base MEDLINE produced the majority of references. The search yielded 20 randomised controlled trials. A potential for cost savings and improved health outcomes has been demonstrated. However, given the heterogeneity of studies and methodological weaknesses, the overall benefit is unclear. It is recommended a randomised controlled trial be conducted to test the effectiveness of comprehensive preventive programs for the Australian elderly . Margaret Harris is a Senior Research Assistant and Julie Byles and Nick Higginbotham are Senior Lecturers in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Newcastle, New South Wales. Balakrishnan R. Nair is Director of Geriatric Medicine at the Hunter Area Health Department, New South Wales.