A communication model for the competent delivery of geriatric medicine

The competent practice of geriatric medicine has become a priority within the health care system. As older adults transition from independence to dependence, the health care system must respond to a complex set of interdependent networks that the system and those who work within it may not be prepared to handle. The competent practice of geriatric medicine is dependent on the coordination of numerous health specialists, organizations, the older patient, and the patient's social network. Failure to competently coordinate this system makes it nearly impossible to provide consistent quality health care, potentially resulting in misdiagnoses, increased cost, destruction of family relationships, professionals not willing to see older patients, and ultimately, higher mortality rates. A model is presented that graphically places communication at the core of the practice of geriatric medicine, while providing a road map for developing quality practices to improve older adults' health care.