The hospital-based, post-acute geriatric evaluation and management unit: the experience of the acute geriatric unit in Trieste.

In 2005, the Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Trieste (AOUT) activated the hospital-based post-acute geriatric evaluation and management unit (PAGEMU). The purpose of the study is to illustrate the activities of the PAGEMU, and to evaluate the effects of personalized and multidisciplinary care on geriatric inpatients. The evaluation for admission in PAGEMU included general admitting criteria, co-morbidity, autonomy, and assessment of the patient's pre-morbid functional status. During the stay, inpatients completed their treatment plan, comprehensive geriatric assessment was carried out, and rehabilitation and nutritional interventions were implemented. If necessary, a new diagnostic-therapeutic plan was provided. A number of 826 patients were evaluated for admission in PAGEMU (612 patients from surgical departments and 214 from medical wards). The mean length of stay was 19.55 days. Re-evaluation of patients at discharge showed a statistically significant improvement in co-morbidity and in self-sufficiency, not in cognitive or mood status. PAGEMU is a valid model both for patient-oriented and for management-oriented objectives, shortening the length of stay in acute care settings and increasing hospital turnover.