This article examines the current evidence on
models of acute care for hospitalized older
people. The 3 models examined were Acute
Care for Elders (ACE), Hospitalized Elder Life
Program (HELP), and Nurses Improving Care
for Health-System Elders (NICHE). Thirteen
research reports examining these models of
care were assembled from online search engines
and used for this integrative literature
review. Preliminary evidence suggests that
all 3 programs may be effective at improving
outcomes for hospitalized older people. However,
more rigorous research is needed to determine
which programs are most effective at
improving clinical geriatric outcomes in different
settings. Recommendations for additional
research, use of the models in clinical
nursing practice, and nursing implications of
the models.