Understanding the orthogeriatric model

An Orthogeriatric approach to care has been presented in this article that considers current definitions and concepts based on publications and classifications of care models, and which reflects experience of model implementation in the field. The approach to care that has been developed shows that the growth of orthogeriatrics includes 4 stages: Core/initial services, Interdisciplinary, Quality, and finally Management.

The first stage of “Core” is fundamental from a functional point of view as the evidence indicates that a strong orthopedic-geriatric program reduces the reliance on a consultation-based system. Building on this new approach also allows the other professionals to ensure they are an integral part of the care team that provides quality care as the model develops.

Measurement of the implementation of an orthogeriatric program is critical to ensure it is meeting its mandate. There are numerous indicators that can be used as the model is developed, many of which are co-dependent.

Orthogeriatrics models are management models that emerged in the 1960s for hip fracture patients with the aim of improving their outcomes. The types of orthogeriatric programs around the world are diverse since they are created to address varied local circumstances however they have been found to have enormous clinical, social, organizational, epidemiological, and economic impact.

Since their inception, the models have expanded from acute care to prevention, rehabilitation, and follow-up (the Orthogeriatric cycle), and include involvement from clinical, academic, administrative, and political
sectors. The Orthogeriatric cycle can be used also as a tool, allowing a panoramic insight of the development of Orthogeriatrics in a given moment and site, and facilitating comparison between different models.

Dr. Dinamarca-Montecinos, the geriatrician from Chile who authored this paper, notes that “Understanding the foundations of the orthogeriatric programs facilitates decision-making on the best model to implement, as it allows for discussion on what is to be achieved as well as comparison between models. This will help to ensure that the model meets the local needs, builds on the local available resources, and can be compared with successful models from other places”.

Read the full paper here!