Archives of General Internal Medicine

Reach Us +1 (202) 780-3397

Opinion Article - Archives of General Internal Medicine (2025) Volume 9, Issue 1

Geriatric Care in Internal Medicine: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Aging Populations

Athai Domque *

Department of Medicine University of Florida, United States

*Corresponding Author:
Athai Domque
Department of Medicine University of Florida, United States
E-mail: athaidomque@ufl.edu

Received: 02-Jan-2025, Manuscript No. AAAGIM-25-162828; Editor assigned: 03-Jan-2025, PreQC No. AAAGIM-25-162828 (PQ) Reviewed:17-Jan-2025, QC No. AAAGIM-25-162828Revised:24-Jan-2025, Manuscript No. AAAGIM-25-162828 (R); Published:28-Jan-2025, DOI: 10.35841/aaagim.9.1.274

Citation: Domque A. Geriatric Care in Internal Medicine: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Aging Populations. Arch Gen Intern Med. 2025;9(1):274

Visit for more related articles at Archives of General Internal Medicine

Abstract

  

Introduction

As the global population continues to age, the demand for specialized care for older adults in internal medicine is increasing. Geriatric care, which focuses on the healthcare needs of elderly individuals, requires a multidisciplinary approach to effectively address the complex medical, social, and psychological issues faced by aging populations. In this short communication, we will explore the importance of geriatric care in internal medicine, highlighting the benefits of a multidisciplinary approach and the challenges that come with caring for older adults [1].

The need for geriatric care in internal medicine

The aging process is accompanied by various physiological, cognitive, and psychological changes that increase the vulnerability of older adults to multiple health conditions. Many elderly individuals live with chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease, which require ongoing management. Additionally, the risk of developing age-related conditions, such as dementia, frailty, and polypharmacy (the use of multiple medications), further complicates care [2].

The aging population is more likely to experience complex health problems that require coordination across various medical disciplines. A geriatrician’s role, particularly in internal medicine, is not only to manage acute conditions but also to provide preventive care, optimize the management of chronic diseases, and enhance the quality of life. Internal medicine professionals, including general internists, are often the first point of contact for older patients and play a key role in identifying and addressing health concerns related to aging [3].

The multidisciplinary approach to geriatric care

The care of elderly patients necessitates collaboration between healthcare providers from various fields to deliver comprehensive and holistic care. This multidisciplinary approach includes physicians, nurses, social workers, dietitians, pharmacists, physical therapists, and other specialists who work together to assess the full spectrum of a patient's health needs [4-7].

Physicians and Geriatricians: Internal medicine physicians and geriatricians work closely to diagnose, treat, and manage complex health issues common among older adults. They focus on age-specific concerns such as frailty, cognitive impairment, and multimorbidity (the presence of multiple chronic conditions).

Nurses and Caregivers: Nurses play an essential role in monitoring the patient’s condition, providing education, and helping with activities of daily living (ADLs). Home care services may also be involved to assist elderly patients with mobility or personal care needs, particularly for those with physical disabilities or cognitive impairments.

Pharmacists: Polypharmacy is a significant concern in geriatric care, as elderly patients often take multiple medications that may interact or lead to side effects. Pharmacists work with physicians to review medication lists, adjust doses, and recommend alternatives to reduce the risk of adverse drug reactions.

Social Workers: Social workers assess the social and emotional needs of the patient, identifying challenges such as isolation, caregiver strain, and financial difficulties. They also help patients and families navigate healthcare services, housing options, and end-of-life planning.

Physical and Occupational Therapists: Physical therapists focus on improving mobility and preventing falls, while occupational therapists assist in enhancing functional independence by helping patients adapt their environment to their needs. Both disciplines work to maintain the elderly patient’s physical function and overall well-being.

Dietitians: Nutritional counseling is essential for older adults, especially those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. Dietitians provide tailored advice on maintaining a balanced diet that supports aging bodies and addresses specific health concerns.

Challenges in geriatric care

Despite the benefits of a multidisciplinary approach, there are several challenges in geriatric care within internal medicine. One of the key issues is the fragmentation of care, where patients may see multiple specialists who are not always in communication with one another. This can lead to conflicting treatments, duplicate tests, and a lack of coordination that negatively impacts the patient’s overall care [8].

Another challenge is the shortage of healthcare professionals trained in geriatrics. While the need for geriatric care is growing, there is a limited number of specialists, including geriatricians and trained nurses, to meet the demands of an aging population [9]. This shortage can lead to insufficient attention to the unique needs of older patients and delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Additionally, managing the complexity of chronic diseases and multiple medications in older adults requires careful attention to avoid unnecessary hospitalizations and prevent complications. Internal medicine physicians must prioritize geriatric assessments and collaborate with the team to ensure the patient's overall health and quality of life [10].

Conclusion

Geriatric care in internal medicine is essential for meeting the growing healthcare needs of aging populations. A multidisciplinary approach ensures that older adults receive comprehensive care that addresses not only their medical but also their social, psychological, and functional needs. While challenges such as care fragmentation, workforce shortages, and the complexities of multimorbidity remain, a collaborative, patient-centered approach can improve outcomes and enhance the quality of life for elderly patients. The future of geriatric care in internal medicine will depend on continued investment in training, communication, and coordination among healthcare providers to better serve an aging population.

References

  1. Sinha RA, Singh BK, Yen PM. Direct effects of thyroid hormones on hepatic lipid metabolism. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2018;14(5):259-69.

    2. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  2. Jeon SM, Shin EA. Exploring vitamin D metabolism and function in cancer. Exp Mol Med. 2018;50(4):1-4.

    3. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  3. Ko SH, Jung Y. Energy metabolism changes and dysregulated lipid metabolism in postmenopausal women. Nutrients. 2021;13(12):4556.

    4. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  4. Bishop EL, Gudgeon N, Dimeloe S. Control of T cell metabolism by cytokines and hormones. Front Immunol. 2021;12:653605.

    5. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  5. Zhang D, Wei Y, Huang Q, et al. Important hormones regulating lipid metabolism. Molecules. 2022;27(20):7052.

    6. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  6. Comitato R, Saba A, Turrini A, et al. Sex hormones and macronutrient metabolism. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2015;55(2):227-41.

    7. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  7. Rui L. Energy metabolism in the liver. Compr Physiol. 2014;4(1):177.

    8. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  8. Oliveira AC, Rebelo AR, Homem CC. Integrating animal development: How hormones and metabolism regulate developmental transitions and brain formation. Dev Biol. 2021;475:256-64.

    9. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  9. Mullur R, Liu YY, Brent GA. Thyroid hormone regulation of metabolism. Physiol Rev. 2014.

    10. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  10. Sinha RA, Bruinstroop E, Singh BK, et al. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and hypercholesterolemia: roles of thyroid hormones, metabolites, and agonists. Thyroid. 2019;29(9):1173-91.

    11. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

     

Get the App