Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Effects of a multicomponent intervention on functional outcomes and process of care in hospitalized older patients: a randomized controlled trial of Acute Care for Elders (ACE) in a community hospital.
Older persons frequently experience a decline in function following an acute medical illness and hospitalization. ⋯ ACE in a community hospital improved the process of care and patient and provider satisfaction without increasing hospital length of stay or costs. A lower frequency of the composite outcome ADL decline or nursing home placement may indicate potentially beneficial effects on patient outcomes.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
A double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study of Cerebrolysin for Alzheimer's disease.
To assess the efficacy and safety of Cerebrolysin over 4 weeks in patients with probable Alzheimer's disease (AD). ⋯ This study indicates that Cerebrolysin is a safe drug that improves the cognitive deficits and global function in patients with mild to moderate AD. Long-term efficacy and safety of Cerebrolysin in Alzheimer's patients should be evaluated in the future.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
A specialized home care intervention improves survival among older post-surgical cancer patients.
Changes in the healthcare system have resulted in shortened hospital stays, moving the focus of care from the hospital to the home. Patients are discharged post-operatively with ongoing needs, and whether they receive nursing care post-hospitalization can influence their recovery and survival. Little information is available about the factors that influence outcomes, including the survival of older cancer patients after cancer surgery. ⋯ This is the first empirical study of post-surgical cancer patients to link a specialized home care intervention by advanced practice nurses with improved survival. Additional research is needed to test home care interventions aimed at maintaining quality of life outcomes and their effects on survival of post-surgical cancer patients.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Midazolam sedation for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in older persons: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
To investigate the benefits and risks of using midazolam for sedation during upper gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures in older persons. ⋯ Under adequate surveillance, the benefits in terms of tolerance to the procedure of low-dose midazolam for upper gastrointestinal endoscopic sedation outweigh the risks in older people.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Geriatric-based versus general wards for older acute medical patients: a randomized comparison of outcomes and use of resources.
The effects of residence in an acute geriatrics-based ward (AGW) with emphasis on early rehabilitation and discharge planning for older patients with acute medical illnesses were assessed. Outcome and use of resources were compared with those of patients treated in general medical wards (MWs). A per-protocol rather than intention-to-treat analysis was performed. ⋯ A geriatric approach with greater emphasis on early rehabilitation and discharge planning in the AGW shortened the length of hospital stay and may have reduced the need for long-term institutional living. This occurred despite patients in an acute geriatric ward not having better medical or functional outcome than older acute patients treated in general medical wards.