Out-patient geriatric assessment by a hospital-based general practitioner: Results and financial implications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5324/nje.v8i2.455Abstract
ABSTRACT
Norway has few specialists in geriatric medicine, but geriatric services are supposed to be implemented
in all local hospitals. I assessed a model for hospital out-patient geriatric service headed by a general
practitioner. The service was organised in a local hospital. 266 elderly patients were referred for geriatric
assessment.
Main outcome measures were ICD-9 diagnostic categories, general patient well-being before and after
assessment, patients' and referring doctors' satisfaction, and cost of the service and income received.
Age, gender and diagnoses were within the same range as in other studies of out-patient geriatric
assessment. Two hundred and three (85.3%) out of 238 patients reached in follow-up interviews were
satisfied with the service and reported improved general well-being. Referring doctors reported satisfaction
with the service. The service was financed by charges paid by the patients and a capitation fee from
the social security. Cost per patient was £ 94 (1070 NOK).
The study shows that in Norway a GP can implement an outpatient geriatric service which improves
the patients' general well-being and is cost effective.
Key words:
general practitioner, geriatric assessment, financial implications, local hospital, out-patient clinic, patient well-being
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