EuGMS survey on structures of geriatric rehabilitation across Europe

Abstract

The aim of this study is to provide an overview on structures of geriatric rehabilitation across Europe. Findings We observed major differences among EuGMS member countries with regard to the availability of geriatric rehabilitation and how it was organized. Despite various barriers in most countries, future improvement in geriatric rehabilitation services is anticipated. Message Work now needs to focus on establishing a consensus on what geriatric rehabilitation should look like to further geriatric rehabilitation services in all European countries.

Nutritional status and functionality in geriatric rehabilitation patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…The aim of this systematic literature review and metaanalysis was to present an overview of the nutritional status on admission and its association with functional parameters in geriatric rehabilitation patients. The pooled prevalence (95% CI) for MNA (nine studies) demonstrated that malnutrition and risk of malnutrition were present in 13% (5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20) and 47% (40-54) of the geriatric rehabilitation population, whereas the pooled estimate (95% CI) of BMI (n = 45) was 23.8 kg/m 2 (23.2-24.5). The ranges of the values and heterogeneity were high among the individual studies of the respective pooled estimates.…”

“…In general, geriatric rehabilitation consists of a structured program, which is in most countries provided by a team of physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, dietitians and social workers [17]. The meta-analysis of Bachmann et al showed effectiveness of inpatient rehabilitation in older patients (≥ 55 years) in a multidisciplinary rehabilitation setting with regard to the recovery of physical function [15].…”

European consensus on core principles and future priorities for geriatric rehabilitation: consensus statement

“…The preparation stage comprised two Delphi studies, one about the definition and organisation of GR in Europe [3], and one about the structures for GR across Europe [4]. These are reported in detail elsewhere.…”

What is geriatric rehabilitation and how should it be organized? A Delphi study aimed at reaching European consensus

“…There is evidence that the approaches taken to GR differ between European countries [1]. Comparison of how GR is described in curricula for postgraduate education in Germany, the United Kingdom, and The Netherlands revealed agreement about the need for: a multidisciplinary approach, led by a geriatrician, after Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment; a tailored rehabilitation plan with regular evaluation of progress using patient outcome measurements; core competencies in the management of complications including pressure sores, venous thromboembolism, contractures, aspiration pneumonia, and urinary tract infections [2].…”