Physician perceptions of HMO care for older persons

Article Abstract:

Physician perceptions of health maintenance organization (HMO) care for older patients have been studied based on 516 returned self-administered one-page questionnaires about HMO policies, impact of HMOs on physician practice, physician demographics, patient care, and respondents' personal use of managed health care plans. It was concluded that the majority of physicians in two nonprofit academically oriented Massachusetts Medicare HMOs perceived that overall quality of care for the elderly in an HMO was unchanged or got better.

Massachusetts, Management, Physicians, Medical professions, Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Health maintenance organizations, Medicare

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Making hospitals better places for sick older persons

Article Abstract:

Hospitalization of sick older persons and making it better are discussed. The beginning of improvements has been in comprehensive geriatric assessment and management. Clinicians are finally getting needed information about potential drug problems from interactions and contraindications with new technology. Inaction and expressing concern about cost is the most common response of hospital administrators to reports about innovations. Two experimental programs, the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) and Acute Care for the Elderly (ACE) units, are discussed.

United States, Research, Usage, Software, Medicine, Economic aspects, Hospitals, Medical care, Medical care quality, Information services, Hospitalization, Nursing homes, Activities of daily living, Hospital care, Frail elderly

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Medication management capacity in highly functioning community-living older adults: detection of early deficits

Article Abstract:

Incorrect medication use may be an early sign of cognitive decline in otherwise well functioning older people. The simulation technique DRUGS measures the ability to plan and execute the intake of prescription drugs in ambulatory elderly adults. DRUGS scores agreed with self-reported medication management and observed functional status in 59 older people. DRUGS may be helpful in identifying early stages of cognitive impairment.

Measurement, Causes of, Health risk assessment, Cognition in old age, Old age cognition, Medication errors

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