What Makes Effective Acute Geriatric Care? - A mixed Methods Study From Aotearoa New Zealand

Current policies for older patients do not adequately address the barriers to effective implementation of optimal care models in New Zealand, partly due to differences in patient definitions and the in-patient pathway they should follow through hospital. This research aims to: (a) synthesise a definition of a complex older patient; (b) identify and explore primary and secondary health measures; and (c) identify the primary components of a care model suitable for a tertiary hospital in the midland region of the North Island of New Zealand.

This mixed-methods study utilised a convergence model, in which qualitative and quantitative data were investigated separately and then combined for interpretation. Semi-structured interviews (n=11) were analysed using a general inductive method of enquiry to develop key codes, categories and themes. Univariate data analysis was employed using six years of routinely collected data of patients admitted to the emergency department and inpatient units (n=261,773) of the tertiary hospital.

A definition of a complex older patient was determined that incorporates chronic conditions, comorbidities and iatrogenic complications, functional decline, activities of daily living, case fatality, mortality, hospital length of stay, hospital costs, discharge destination, hospital readmission and emergency department revisit and age – not necessarily over 65 years old. Well-performing geriatric care models were found to include patient-centred care, frequent medical review, early rehabilitation, early discharge planning, a prepared environment and multidisciplinary teams.

The findings of this New Zealand study increase understanding of acute geriatric care for complex older patients by filling a gap in policies and strategies, identifying potential components of an optimal care model and defining a complex geriatric patient.

The findings of this study present actionable opportunities for clinicians, managers, academics and policymakers to better understand a complex older patient in New Zealand, with significant relevance also for international geriatric care and to establish an effective acute geriatric care model that leads to beneficial health outcomes and provides safeguard mechanisms.