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Hospitalized elders are at risk for many iatrogenic complications, including delirium, malnutrition, pressure ulcers, falls, depression, infection, and adverse drug events. These complications often are referred to as “hazards of hospitalization” and can result in marked functional decline, additional medical or surgical interventions, prolonged length of stay, placement in extended-care facilities, or even death. Such complications also substantially increase the cost of medical care and negatively affect patient and family satisfaction. Although interdisciplinary teamwork is required to allay potential harm from hazards of hospitalization, modifying patient risk factors invariably requires physician intervention.
A cross-sectional study wa…