Current evidence regarding models of acute care for hospitalized geriatric patients.

This article examines the current evidence on models of acute care for hospitalized older people. The 3 models examined were Acute Care for Elders (ACE), Hospitalized Elder Life Program (HELP), and Nurses Improving Care for Health-System Elders (NICHE). Thirteen research reports examining these models of care were assembled from online search engines and used for this integrative literature review. Preliminary evidence suggests that all 3 programs may be effective at improving outcomes for hospitalized older people. However, more rigorous research is needed to determine which programs are most effective at improving clinical geriatric outcomes in different settings. Recommendations for additional research, use of the models in clinical nursing practice, and nursing implications of the models.