This pocket-sized text will function as a friendly, experienced, and knowledgeable geriatrician who is available for advice at all times.
This is a handbook, not a textbook. It is not exhaustive—we have focused on common problems, including practical help with common dilemmas which are not well covered by traditional tomes, while excluding the rare and unimportant.
In this third edition, in response to feedback, we have increased the number of ‘HOW TO’ boxes and updated sections where there have been advances in evidence and practice.
We believe that the practice of geriatric medicine is an art form and aim to provide guidance to complement the algorithms, protocols, and policies found in many textbooks. The evidence-based literature in geriatric medicine is limited, so advice is often opinion- and experience-based.
The satisfaction of good geriatric care is lost to many who become overwhelmed by the breadth and complexity of seemingly insoluble problems. We provide a structured, logical, and flexible approach to problem-solving which we hope will give practical help to improve the care given to older patients in many settings.
Lesley K. Bowker
James D. Price
Ku S. Shah
Sarah C. Smith