Background: Although cardiovascular diseases belong to the most frequent causes of inpatient treatment of older people the specific characteristics of geriatric patients in the acute care unit still receive marginal attention. The aim of this study was the descriptive representation of clinical health care processes of geriatric and non-geriatric patients with acute myocardial infarction.
Patients and methods: Using a retrospective document analysis 83 medical patient records were examined with regard to nursing, therapeutic as well as medical measures and social counseling. The classification in geriatric and non-geriatric patients was based on a predefined list of criteria.
Results: In the study a total of 48 geriatric and 35 non-geriatric patients could be identified. There was a comprehensive need for support of nursing and therapeutic care, a high frequency of complications and a long length of stay as well as specifics concerning the place of discharge in geriatric patients.
Conclusions: Complex problems and special care needs of geriatric patients with acute myocardial infarction were shown. This vulnerable group of patients should be given more attention in acute care. Further investigations with a prospective character are necessary in order to detect the specific needs of geriatric patients in acute care.