The Medical journal of Australia
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More than half of the patients in adult hospitals are over 65 years of age. Although not a normal part of ageing, many older people will present to hospital with cognitive impairment (dementia or delirium) along with other complex comorbidities. Older people, and particularly those with dementia, are also at increased risk of developing delirium during their hospital stay. ⋯ As well as treating the underlying medical and surgical causes, the involvement of family members and a calm, safe environment are important. Patients with cognitive impairment should receive person-centred, goal-directed care so that their particular risks of harm are identified and minimised, and their care is aligned with their preferences and is medically appropriate for their circumstances. Three de-identified, composite case scenarios illustrate, respectively, the role of medicines in causing delirium, how family members can assist in evaluation, and the importance of the appropriate management of post-operative delirium.
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Geographic variation in health care use has been demonstrated in many countries over many years. Such variation can be warranted - in response to patient need or preference for care - or unwarranted. ⋯ Despite the wealth of studies demonstrating variation in care internationally, there is relatively little research that explores the best ways of responding to unwarranted variation. Recommendations for action in the Australian Atlas focus on some approaches that could be used in Australia.
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Economic theory predicts that changing financial rewards will change behaviour. This is valid in terms of service use; higher costs reduce health care use. It should follow that paying more for quality should improve quality; however, the research evidence thus far is equivocal, particularly in terms of better health outcomes. ⋯ Managers and clinicians can only respond to financial incentives if they have the data, tools and skills to effect changes. Australia should not adopt widespread use of financial incentives for improving quality in health care without careful consideration of their design and context, the potential for unintended effects (particularly beyond their immediate targets), and evaluation of outcomes. The relative cost-effectiveness of financial incentives compared with, or in concert with, other strategies should also be considered.