Gerontology & Geriatric Research

OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND? DOES TERMINATING THE PHYSICAL PRESENCE OF A GERIATRIC CONSULTANT IN THE COMMUNITY CLINIC REDUCE THE IMPLEMENTATION RATE FOR GERIATRIC RECOMMENDATIONS

4^th International Conference on Geriatrics & Gerontological Nursing

October 3-4, 2016 | London, UK

Boris Punchik, Tamar Freud, Aya Bidermen, Roni Peleg, Ella Kagan, Alex Barzak and Yan Press

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Gerontol Geriat Res

Abstract:

Aim: To assess the effect of moving geriatric consultation from the primary care clinic to another setting, on the rate of implementation of geriatric recommendations by family physicians. Methods: A retrospective review of the computerized medical records of elderly patients in four primary care clinics. The rate of implementation of geriatric recommendations was compared between clinics in which a geriatric consultant was physically present (control clinics) and a clinic where the consultation took place elsewhere (study clinic). In addition, the results of the present study were compared to a previous study in which the geriatric consultation was carried out in the study clinic and the family doctor was an active participant. Results: 127 computerized files were reviewed in the study clinic and 133 in the control clinics. The mean age of the patients was 81.1±6.3 years and 63.1% were women. The overall implementation of geriatric recommendations by family doctors in the study clinic was 55.9%, a statistically significant decrease compared to the previous study where the rate was 73.9% (p<0.0001). In contrast, there was no change in the implementation rate in the control clinics 65.0% in the present study and 59.9% in the previous one (p=0.205). Conclusions: Direct, person-to-person contact between the geriatric consultant and the family doctor has a beneficial effect on the implementation of geriatric recommendations. This should be considered by healthcare policy makers when planning, geriatric services in the community.

Biography :

Boris Punchik has completed his MD from Medical Academy, Samara, Russia, Family Medicine residence in 2002 (Beer Sheva, Israel), Health Systems Management (M.H.A.) in 2005 (Ben Gurion University of the Negev) and Geriatric Medicine residence in 2012 from Department of Geriatrics, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel. He is a Geriatrician of Ambulatory Geriatric Services, Clalit Health Services, Beer Sheva, Israel. He has published more than 10 papers in reputed journals, co-authored a book chapter and active Lecturer of Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.

Email: borispu@clalit.org.il