prevalence of geriatric'syndromes'in a tertiary hospital

Background: Australia has an ageing population. Older people are more likely to be hospitalised and to consume more health resources. Old age is associated with the 'syndromes' of confusion, incontinence, immobility, falls and polypharmacy. Prevalence of these syndromes in an Australian hospital setting is not available. Aim: To study the prevalence of these syndromes and evaluate the routine practice of health care professionals in an Australian teaching hospital. Methods: Assessment of 100 consecutive patients above the age of 70 years and SO doctors and nurses. Results: The study found a high prevalence of these syndromes. Twenty-nine percent had cognitive impairment, 54% had had falls, 37% had poor mobility, 40% had urinary incontinence and 43% took more than five medications. Health professionals underestimated the prevalence of these conditions in an inpatient setting and stated that they did not routinely look for these conditions. Conclusion: Assessment of these prevalent syndromes is suboptimal.