Improving psychiatric care of older medical inpatients: development of a special integrated medical-psychiatric unit

Materials and methods Admission criteria include the presence of a somatic disorder that requires inpatient care associated with an acute psychiatric disorder. Individuals with significant cognitive impairment or who require involuntary admission to a psychiatric institution are excluded. The geriatric multidisciplinary team is reinforced by two full-time nurses specialized in psychiatric care and a part-time (50%) senior psychiatrist. Medical, psychiatric and geriatric multidisciplinary care is provided. This descriptive study evaluates diagnoses, length of stay and acceptance by patients, family and staff.