Grant: Knowledge Synthesis Grant

Specialized geriatric services have been designed to reduce the complications of hospitalization for acutely ill older adults with complex chronic disease. These complications can include not being able to return home and take care of oneself. Although some studies on these services have found them to prevent complications, a rigorous review of their effectiveness has not been done. Hospital administrators have said they need to know exactly which services, delivered by which health care providers, are effective in preventing complications. In this project we will review all of the studies that have been done on these services. We will put together all of the information that has been written about these services. We will examine which services are best at preventing complications for older adults. Hospital administrators will use the results to make decisions when designing geriatric services and policies so that older adults have fewer complications during their hospital stays.