Description

Satish et al identified a number of criteria that can be used to target geriatric patients in the hospital who are at increased risk for health care resource utilization and death. These can help identify patients who may benefit from more aggressive monitoring and care. The authors are from the University of Texas at Galveston, Stanford University, and the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Medical Center.


Patient selection: hospitalized male veterans >= 65 years of age

 

Targeting criteria:

(1) polypharmacy (>= 5 prescription drugs)

(2) socioeconomic problems (elder abuse, living alone, financial problems, marital problems, tired caregiver, etc.)

(3) weight loss

(4) loss of appetite

(5) vision impairment

(6) hearing impairment

(7) confusion or forgetfulness

(8) dementia

(9) depression

(10) incontinence of urine and/or stool

(11) falls within the past 3 months

(12) prolonged bedrest

 

total number of targeting criteria present =

= SUM(number of the criteria present)

 

Interpretation:

• minimum number of targeting criteria: 0

• maximum number of targeting criteria: 12 in theory (11 if you assume that patient cannot have both dementia and confusion)

• The risk of deterioration increases with the number of targeting criteria that are present.

 

Number of Criteria

Percent Dead at 1 Year

0

9%

1

11%

2

22%

3

30%

4 or more

42%

 


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