Patient education in geriatrics: which specific points?

Source: Presse Medicale Area: Evidence > Medicines Management > References The prevalence of chronic diseases strongly increases with age, and the treatment of these diseases is complex in very old persons due to multiple comorbidities, loss of independence and/or frailty.  In addition, cognitive disorders, dementia and sensory disturbances are common. Patient education is becoming an important component of chronic disease management. Patient education programmes aim to provide patients with information and skills to help them live with their chronic condition. The authors describe several specific aspects of patient education as applied to  geriatric patients.  Programmes should involve family caregivers and must have specific objectives and use special materials which are adapted to very old persons. The model of Alzheimer disease includes caregivers and is a success. The authors have identified 30 patient education programmes in France which are specifically devoted to geriatric patients.  Most ...
Source: NeLM - Care of Older People - Category: Geriatrics Source Type: news