Improving practices in orthogeriatric care services: a multi-method study

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Orthogeriatric units have proven to be relevant in the care of older patients. A combination of hospital and community care is recommended for optimized care when these older patients return home. However, general practitioners (GPs) have not provided any feedback on this. The aim of this study was to look at GPs’ opinions on the care provided in orthogeriatric units to identify areas for improvement. Methods Multi-method study combining one phase comprised of a retrospective analysis of data on older patients hospitalized in an orthogeriatric unit, and another phase analyzing GPs’ answers to a questionnaire. By comparing the results of the two analysis phases we were able to identify areas for improvement. Results 355 hospital stays were analyzed. The mean age of the older patients was 87 years (SD = 5.8), and patients were predominantly women (n = 292, 82%). The most common surgery performed was femur surgery (n = 240, 68%). Patients suffered from undernutrition (n = 226, 64%), a vitamin D deficiency (n = 247, 70%) and chronic falls (n = 55, 16%). The questionnaire was completed by 51 GPs. Comparing the results of the retrospective analysis and questionnaire identified two areas for improvement: (i) helping patients receive osteoporosis care; (ii) involving occupational therapists more during the orthogeriatric unit stay. Conclusion Improvements in practices are always needed, especially when caring for older patients. In orthogeriatric units, this care must involve occupational therapists more and improve screening and treatment for osteoporosis.