As a doctor, my main objective is to establish strong relationships with my elderly patients, their families, caregivers, and substitute decision makers. This involves building trust and maintaining ethical therapeutic relationships. Effective communication is crucial in this process, as it allows for dynamic exchanges before, during, and after medical encounters. As part of the COE (Care of Older People) program, I am trained to recognize the unique communication needs of older adults and their families. The Healthy People 2030 initiative has set measurable national goals to improve the health and well-being of all individuals, with a specific focus on older adults.
In fact, twenty of the goals directly aim to reduce health problems and enhance the quality of life for this population. By utilizing resources effectively and coordinating care with other healthcare professionals, physicians like myself can help our elderly patients maintain and improve their health. One of the key realizations that led to the development of the COE program was that improving care for older adults not only benefits them, but also has financial advantages such as reducing length of stay. As leaders in the healthcare field, doctors play a critical role in the primary healthcare team and are integral participants in healthcare organizations. We are trained to provide comprehensive and ongoing care to our patients and their families, building a relationship based on trust. The Healthy People 2030 initiative presents a wide range of goals that are directly or indirectly related to promoting healthy aging.
However, as part of the COE program, we also follow the 4 M framework for health systems suitable for the elderly (figure 1 below). This framework was introduced by Next Generation Leaders Fellow at the American Hospital Association (AHA), Abbasi, and her team. They implemented this framework in two medical units at SBUH (Stony Brook University Hospital) as it aligned with their mission to improve the care of their patients. As part of the 4 M framework, we ask our older patients if every aspect of their care aligns with their desires and priorities. This ensures that our care is patient-centered and tailored to their individual needs.
As collaborators, doctors work closely with patients, families, healthcare teams, other health professionals, and communities to achieve optimal patient care. Joining the AFHS (Age-Friendly Health Systems) means committing to providing evidence-based care that is adapted to older people. This includes the 4 Ms: What matters, medication, mentality and mobility. Our goal is to provide care that causes no harm and is based on what is important for older adults. This initiative was developed by The Hartford Foundation in partnership with the AHA and the U.
S. Catholic Health Association UU (TEA).As part of the COE program, we also utilize a whiteboard in our patients' rooms. This whiteboard contains important information such as the patient's goals, preferences, and any concerns they may have. This allows for better communication between healthcare providers and patients, as they can easily see and discuss the contents of the whiteboard. Upon completion of the program, residents of the DFCM (Department of Family and Community Medicine) Elderly Care Program are equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to provide effective patient-centered care to a population of elderly individuals.
Our goal is to ensure that our elderly patients receive the best possible care and support as they age.
