RT Book, Section
A1 Bicket, Daphne P.
A2 South-Paul, Jeannette E.
A2 Matheny, Samuel C.
A2 Lewis, Evelyn L.
SR Print(0)
ID 1106851406
T1 Common Geriatric Problems
T2 CURRENT Diagnosis & Treatment: Family Medicine, 4e
YR 2015
FD 2015
PB McGraw-Hill Education
PP New York, NY
SN 9780071827454
LK accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1106851406
RD 2024/04/19
AB The  syndromes  of  failure  to  thrive,  pressure  ulcers,  and  falls  share  features  that  make  them  particularly  challenging.  Their  etiologies  are  multifactorial;  they  require  an  interdisciplinary  approach  to  maximize  care;  and  they  often  herald  disability,  institutionalization,  and  death.  Interventions  in  multiple  domains  can  improve  outcomes.  However,  in  patients  with  low  functional  reserve  the  physician  should  be  prepared  to  transition  from  cure  to  palliative  care.  Open  and  frank  communication  is  vital  and  should  employ  the  skills  needed  to  address  life-changing  diagnoses  while  continuing  to  supply  hope  and  support.  Eliciting  patient’s  goals,  what  they  want  and  what  they  want  to  avoid,  is  fundamental  to  crafting  an  end-of-life  framework  that  is  consistent  with  their  values  and  preferences.  The  physician  can  and  should  maintain  a  therapeutic  relationship  with  the  patient  and  the  family  beyond  the  time  when  medical  therapies  are  effective.  Home  visits  enhance  this  relationship  and  often  reveal  opportunity  for  interventions  and  support.