Geriatricians have expertise in diagnosing, prognosticating, managing complex, multifactorial conditions impacting on the physical, cognitive, psychological, social and functional wellbeing of the older person. They have a good understanding of common medical, neurological, psychiatric, orthopaedic and surgical problems affecting older adults. Geriatricians adopt a comprehensive diagnostic approach to the practice of acute internal medicine to identify reversible and irreversible pathologies, and develop and implement management strategies to improve patients’ function and psychological and social wellbeing. Geriatricians use a comprehensive, ongoing person-centred approach to communication about future health care choices and advance care planning with patients, their family members, and/or carers.

Geriatricians provide holistic clinical care and complex patient assessment and management, working flexibly across settings, including:

Acute medical care of the older patient. The approach of a geriatrician is to reduce the incidence of post-acute syndromes and functional decline associated with hospitalisation.

Managing geriatric syndromes. Geriatricians manage disorders characterised by the combination of age-related changes, accumulated pathology, polypharmacy, and acute illness. An important component in the management of geriatric syndromes is reducing the threshold for the occurrence of falls, delirium, and incontinence. Geriatricians manage patient, carer, and family goals responsively and flexibly, according to patient needs.

Managing pharmacology and polypharmacy issues. Geriatricians have expertise in the management of older people with complex and/or multifactorial medication requirements.

Providing hospital consultation/liaison services. The role of the geriatrician is extremely valuable across the broad spectrum of health care, including general geriatric medicine services or highly specialised services, such as orthogeriatrics and perioperative medicine.

Outpatient clinics. Geriatricians deliver geriatric medicine clinics, but also include specialty clinics in areas in which geriatricians have particular expertise, such as cognitive disorders, Parkinson disease, falls, continence, wounds, and chronic pain.

Domiciliary care. Geriatricians conduct home visits and residential aged care facility visits aimed at providing expertise and support to GPs in the care of older people.

Geriatricians provide leadership and person-centred care with a focus on communication, respect, and advocacy, including:

  • Management of aged care services

    Geriatricians are continuously working to improve the care of older people across the health continuum.

  • Assessment of the care requirements

    Geriatricians have expertise in assessing the older person who may require community or residential care, including consideration of ethical issues.

  • Working as an integral part of a multidisciplinary team

    Geriatricians may be called upon to be the team leader and have a collaborative approach focused on building relationships.

  • Coordination and management of rehabilitation

    Geriatricians work with older people who, due to acute medical or surgical problems, have suffered a functional decline.

  • Holistic care of patients and their families

    Geriatricians are comfortable with complex health issues and working in uncertainty.

  • Promotion of healthy ageing and health improvement

    Geriatricians focus on maximising the independence and function of their patients.

  • Promotion of the dignity of the older patient

    Geriatricians promote respect in the care of older patients.

  • Application of a scholarly approach

    Geriatricians use research and evidence in medical care and service development

Last modified: Friday, 6 September 2024, 2:50 PM