Given the large population of acutely ill geriatric patients spending time in the hospital and the large amount of hospital resources that these patients use, it is of great importance that acute geriatric care becomes a focus of nursing research and education.
ACE, HELP, and NICHE are 3 well-developed models of acute care for older hospitalized patients.
There has been initial research on all 3 programs that suggest that they may be effective at improving patient outcomes.
Further research is needed to elaborate on the benefits of each program for patients, health care providers, and hospitals.
It is imperative that the nursing profession focus research on the ACE, HELP, and NICHE models.
Geriatric patient outcomes reflect deeply on the nursing care that is provided to older patients.
If nursing is to continue to improve care of geriatric patients, models must be used to guide care.
These models require strong evidence that supports their efficacy.