What is the effectiveness of acute hospital treatment of older people with mental disorders?

Abstract

There are gaps in our knowledge regarding the effectiveness of acute hospital treatment of mental disorders in old age. Multicenter studies involving comparisons of day hospitals, multidisciplinary community teams and acute hospital settings (old age mental health and adult mental health, with and without post-discharge community care) are required.

Preparation to care for confused older patients in general hospitals: a study of UK health professionals

“…and their potential for staff education and training. However, their effects on staff and patient outcomes remain to be understood [16, 17]. They also support previous findings that doctors reported poor knowledge of delirium [18], and medical students were not sufficiently prepared to care for patients with dementia [19].…”

The rising demand for consultation‐liaison psychiatry for older people: comparisons within Liverpool and the literature across time

“…Not only is this of clinical importance but it has an impact on the effectiveness and efficiency of acute hospitals. The benefits of liaison psychiatry services for older people have been shown by systematic review (Draper, 2000;Draper and Low 2005) and are likely to become increasingly important as the population of older people of all nations continues to rise.…”

What becomes of people admitted to acute old age psychiatry wards? An exploration of factors affecting length of stay, delayed discharge and discharge destination

“…Given the high proportion of healthcare expenditure accounted for by hospital inpatient beds, it is perhaps not surprising that their use is being particularly scrutinised (McDonagh et al ., ; Bowen and Forte, ; Joynt and Jha, ). The issue is not whether hospital beds are needed—inpatient care is generally regarded as a fundamental component of both general and mental health services—but what should be provided for whom (Draper and Low, ; Appleby, ; Royal College of Physicians, )?…”