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. 1990 Jun;36:1121–1126.

Prospective Care of Elderly Patients in Family Practice Part 2: Is Screening Worthwhile?

W Ian Hay
PMCID: PMC2280484  PMID: 21233981

Abstract

In 1980-1981, the elderly accounted for 48% of patient days in general hospitals in Canada and 72% of those using long-term care facilities. This use is disproportionately generated by those 85 years of age and older and by patients in areas where beds are more readily available and community support services relatively absent. The author critically reviews the literature and describes the efficacy and efficiency of screening and case-finding programs for the elderly. The best evidence from four randomized trials indicates that screening and case-finding is effective in reducing disability, promoting independence, and improving morale and functional capacity, while reducing the use of hospital beds.

Keywords: family medicine, geriatrics, screening programs

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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