Evaluating a geriatrics program in an acute-care hospital.

Abstract

A key informant survey was undertaken early in the process of implementing a new geriatric program. Found was that both the inservice education program and the hospital-based community resource directory were received more positively and implemented more quickly than a third component, the geriatric assessment team. Reasons community physicians resisted making referrals to the team included a fear that the team would “steal patients” and threats to their competence. The team was also hampered by lack of clear patient selection criteria.