geriatrics
Prevention of Iatrogenic Complications in Older Adults
Interventions to Prevent Iatrogenic Complications
Interventions that can prevent iatrogenic complications include the following. Care managers facilitate communication among health care professionals, ensure that needed services are provided, and prevent duplication of services. Care managers may be employed by physician groups, health plans, or community or governmental organizations. Frail older patients benefit the most from care management. A Geriatric Interdisciplinary Teams evaluates all of the patient’s needs, develops a coordinated care plan, and manages (or, along with the primary care physician, co-manages) care. Because this intervention is resource-intensive, it is best reserved for very complex cases. Geriatric interdisciplinary teams sometimes focus on specific issues related to aging, such as risk and prevention of falls, assessment of frailty (especially before surgery or cancer treatment), and dementia diagnosis and care. A pharmacist can help prevent potential complications caused by Overview of Drug Therapy in Older Adults and inappropriate medication use. These acute care units are hospital wards with protocols to ensure that older patients are thoroughly evaluated for potential iatrogenic problems before problems occur and that such problems are identified and appropriately managed. Geriatric emergency department care units focus on the unique needs (including care transitions and multidisciplinary care) of older patients. Patients are encouraged to prepare Advance Directives , including designation of a proxy to make medical decisions. These documents can help prevent unwanted treatment for critically ill patients who cannot speak for themselves. 