Geriatric Acute Care and Remobilisation Units

COUNTRY / LOCATION: Austria

KEYWORDS: geriatric medicine, assessment, remobilisation, multi-professional care, acute care

Geriatric Acute Care and Remobilisation Units

Summary

Approximately 40 Geriatric Acute Care and Remobilisation Units (AG/R) have been integrated within public hospitals in six out of nine Austrian provinces since the year 2000. AG/R units are currently established as independent clinical departments under the lead of specialists in Internal Medicine or Neurology, with some of the units also running a related day clinic. A continuously growing share of older patients with multifaceted health problems and a still lacking academic specialisation in geriatric medicine in Austria were the main drivers for the development of AG/R. The further development of AG/R in Austria is supported by relatively strong political commitments and a related national plan concerning the implementation and expansion of AG/R facilities in Austria (GÖGmbH, 2010). Since 2008 a benchmarking process based on existing data of treatment and rehabilitation processes and indicators for structural quality in AG/R units is underway. First evaluation reports are expected by 2011. What is the main benefit for people in need of care and/or carers?

Based on a comprehensive assessment process, AG/R units offer specialised but multi-professional treatment and remobilisation combined with timely planning of discharge, reintegration and follow up procedures. Respecting individual needs, social context and existing (in-) formal networks of older people in need of acute clinical treatment are basic objectives of AG/R. What is the main message for practice and/or policy in relation to this sub-theme?

Multiprofessional services, which allow to combine specialised geriatric medicine, care and remobilisation as well as measures of social reintegration are of need, as we are facing a growing number of older people with complex health and care needs. The growing demand for and positive experiences with AG/R facilities contribute to an on-going discussion in Austria about the still missing implementation of an academic specialisation (combined with the respective curriculum) in geriatric medicine.

رابط

http://interlinks.euro.centre.org/model/example/AcuteGeriatricCare