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Some hospitals have specialized units to care for older, cognitively impaired patients, but whether such units improve outcomes is unclear. In this randomized trial, investigators compared care in a specialized unit versus standard care (geriatric or general medical wards) in 600 patients (median age, 85) identified as “confused” on admission to a large U.K. hospital. Specialized unit staff were skilled in managing patients with delirium and dementia, and specialized care included regular psychiatrist visits, organized activities, a physical environment tailored to patients with cognitive impairment, and proactive involvement of family caregivers.
After adjusting for multiple variables, investigators found no significant differences between …