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Orthopaedic‐geriatric models of care and their effectiveness
Author(s) -
Chong Carol P,
Savige Judy,
Lim Wen Kwang
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
australasian journal on ageing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.63
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1741-6612
pISSN - 1440-6381
DOI - 10.1111/j.1741-6612.2009.00368.x
Subject(s) - cinahl , medicine , geriatrics , geriatric rehabilitation , rehabilitation , medline , psychological intervention , orthopedic surgery , geriatric care , physical therapy , acute care , intensive care medicine , nursing , health care , surgery , psychiatry , political science , law , economics , economic growth
Different types of orthopaedic geriatric units have been established. This review evaluates the effectiveness of this model of care. A computerised literature search was undertaken using Medline (January 1966–February 2009), Cochrane and CINAHL with the search terms orthopaedics, geriatrics, aged, orthopaedic procedures and fractures. Relevant articles were evaluated and appraised with particular focus on randomised controlled trials. Orthopaedic‐geriatric models can be divided according to the setting of care (i) acute inpatient orthopaedic‐geriatric care; (ii) subacute rehabilitation; and (iii) community‐based rehabilitation. Studies have been heterogenous in nature and outcomes measured have differed making pooled data analysis difficult. In general, there is a trend to effectiveness in outcomes such as functional recovery, length of stay, complications and mortality and importantly studies have not shown detrimental consequences. However, because of the varied types of interventions and models of care, it is difficult to draw firm conclusions about the effectiveness of these programs.