Age and ageing
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To determine the presentation, course and duration of delirium in hospitalized older people. ⋯ Delirium in hospitalized older people is common and has a varied presentation and time course. Clinicians and researchers need to consider this great heterogeneity when caring for patients and when studying delirium.
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Depression is not uncommon among acutely ill geriatric inpatients. ⋯ Both shorter versions of the GDS may be utilized in screening for depression among acutely ill geriatric inpatients.
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Assessment of continuing health care needs is unstandardized and often undertaken by professionals not trained in the management of complex disability. ⋯ Specialist intervention, using a team approach, facilitates effective implementation of continuing care guidelines in hospitalized patients.