Geriatric Medicine
Nature of the work
Geriatric medicine is one of the largest
branches of general medicine and is concerned with the clinical,
preventive, remedial and social aspects of illness in older
people.
Working in geriatric medicine
Illnesses in older people have a variety of
unique characteristics, including high atypical patterns of disease
presentation and additional requirements for social support. These
characteristics demand expertise in comprehensive geriatric
assessment as well as compassion and the ability to work
effectively within a multidisciplinary team. The focus on patient
care is not only on single organ or system disorder, but also on
the effect of the illness on functional ability. Geriatrics
requires expertise in rehabilitation in order to minimise the
effects of disability.
Geriatrics is rapidly evolving into both a
hospital-based specialty and a specialty concerned with community
care. Some specialists have commitments in both primary and
secondary care settings, and many geriatricians develop one or more
special interests such as the management of stroke or Parkinson’s
disease. Most consultants will have responsibilities for and
experience in continuing rehabilitative care and will need to work
closely with all health professionals.
Common procedures / interventions
These include running specialist outpatient
clinics, as well as tilt-table sessions or gait assessment. Some
specialists will carry out gastrointestinal endoscopy, joint
injections or other common procedures.
Associated sub specialties
Associated subspecialties include:
- Stroke.
- Falls and syncope.
- Orthogeriatrics.
- Osteoporosis.
- Parkinson’s disease.
- Continence care.
- Mental health problems associated with old age such as dementia
and delirium.
Further information
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