Stefan Grund1, Janneke P van Wijngaarden2, Adam L Gordon3, Jos M G A Schols4, Jürgen M Bauer5. 1. Center for Geriatric Medicine, Agaplesion Bethanien Hospital Heidelberg, Geriatric Center at the Heidelberg University, Rohrbacher Straße 149, 69126, Heidelberg, Germany. stefan.grund@bethanien-heidelberg.de. 2. Danone Nutricia Research, Nutricia Advanced Medical Nutrition, Uppsalalaan 12, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands. 3. Division of Medical Sciences and Graduate Entry Medicine, Derby Medical School, Royal Derby Hospital, University of Nottingham, Room 4113, Derby, DE22 3NE, UK. 4. Departments of Health Services Research, Focusing on Value-based Care and Ageing and Family Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute (Caphri), Maastricht University, Duboisdomein 30, 6229 GT, 6200 MD, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, The Netherlands. 5. Center for Geriatric Medicine, Agaplesion Bethanien Hospital Heidelberg, Geriatric Center at the Heidelberg University, Rohrbacher Straße 149, 69126, Heidelberg, Germany.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Geriatric rehabilitation provides effective multidisciplinary treatment for older people who show symptoms of relevant and potentially reversible functional decline. The aim of this study is to provide an overview on structures of geriatric rehabilitation across Europe. METHODS: All European Geriatric Medicine Society (EuGMS) Full board members, each representing one member state of the society, were asked to complete an online questionnaire about the current structure of geriatric rehabilitation in their country. RESULTS: Thirty-one out of 33 EuGMS Full Board members participated in this questionnaire. Geriatric rehabilitation was officially recognized in 65% (20/31) of participating countries while 29% (9/31) had no geriatric rehabilitation services in their country. In countries with geriatric rehabilitation, the number of available beds varied widely (0-70/100,000 inhabitants). Average length of stay varied from 7 to 65 days. The estimated mean age of the patients in geriatric rehabilitation was 80 years, with most patients being older than 70 years. Six countries had no specified lower age limit and no country had an upper age limit. 42% (13/31) of countries reported having national or local guidelines and 35% (11/31) had a benchmarking or audit system established. Most participants responded positively about the prospects for improvement in the field. CONCLUSION: We observed major differences among EuGMS member countries with regard to the availability of geriatric rehabilitation and how it was organized. Despite various barriers in most countries, future improvement in geriatric rehabilitation services is anticipated.
PURPOSE: Geriatric rehabilitation provides effective multidisciplinary treatment for older people who show symptoms of relevant and potentially reversible functional decline. The aim of this study is to provide an overview on structures of geriatric rehabilitation across Europe. METHODS: All European Geriatric Medicine Society (EuGMS) Full board members, each representing one member state of the society, were asked to complete an online questionnaire about the current structure of geriatric rehabilitation in their country. RESULTS: Thirty-one out of 33 EuGMS Full Board members participated in this questionnaire. Geriatric rehabilitation was officially recognized in 65% (20/31) of participating countries while 29% (9/31) had no geriatric rehabilitation services in their country. In countries with geriatric rehabilitation, the number of available beds varied widely (0-70/100,000 inhabitants). Average length of stay varied from 7 to 65 days. The estimated mean age of the patients in geriatric rehabilitation was 80 years, with most patients being older than 70 years. Six countries had no specified lower age limit and no country had an upper age limit. 42% (13/31) of countries reported having national or local guidelines and 35% (11/31) had a benchmarking or audit system established. Most participants responded positively about the prospects for improvement in the field. CONCLUSION: We observed major differences among EuGMS member countries with regard to the availability of geriatric rehabilitation and how it was organized. Despite various barriers in most countries, future improvement in geriatric rehabilitation services is anticipated.
Entities:
Keywords:
EuGMS; European consensus; Geriatric rehabilitation; Structure of supply
Authors: S Grund; M A A Caljouw; M L Haaksma; A L Gordon; R van Balen; J M Bauer; J M G A Schols; W P Achterberg Journal: J Nutr Health Aging Date: 2021 Impact factor: 4.075
Authors: Jolanda C M van Haastregt; Irma H J Everink; Jos M G A Schols; Stefan Grund; Adam L Gordon; Else P Poot; Finbarr C Martin; Desmond O'Neill; Mirko Petrovic; Stefan Bachmann; Romke van Balen; Leonoor van Dam van Isselt; Frances Dockery; Marije S Holstege; Francesco Landi; Laura M Pérez; Esther Roquer; Martin Smalbrugge; Wilco P Achterberg Journal: Eur Geriatr Med Date: 2021-11-20 Impact factor: 1.710