What is the difference between a Geriatrician and a Specialist

What is the difference between a Geriatrician and a Specialist?
Dr. Sajesh Asokan, a Senior Consultant Physician at MCS Hospital, Kerala, in a conversation with Healthy Wrinkles, explains What is the difference between a Geriatrician and a Specialist. In the realm of healthcare, encounters with specialists and physicians play pivotal roles in patient care. Dr. Sajesh Asokan's insights, as shared in the YouTube video on Healthy Wrinkles, shed light on the crucial differences between geriatricians and specialists, particularly in managing elderly patients at various points of contact. Watch our YouTube playlist on care for seniors to know more.

Distinct Points of Encounter:
The patient's journey through the healthcare system involves encounters at different points, each demanding a unique approach. Dr. Asokan emphasizes the significance of understanding and studying the patient at each point of contact, be it in the outpatient department (OPD), emergency, or the inpatient ward.
Challenges in OPD:
In the OPD, where time constraints are a challenge, geriatricians face the task of assessing various aspects of an elderly patient's health within a limited timeframe. Unlike general outpatient cases, geriatric patients require more extended consultations, averaging at least 20 minutes. Documentation, patient interaction, and advising are crucial elements that demand thorough attention, making time a critical factor in ensuring comprehensive care.
Emergency Assessments:
Emergency or casualty situations pose a unique set of challenges, especially when dealing with elderly patients who may lack effective communication or be in a state of delirium. Dr. Asokan underscores the need for quick and accurate assessments in such scenarios, where prior knowledge of the patient's history is not always available, necessitating a thorough evaluation by the healthcare provider.
Inpatient Care and Collaboration:
The inpatient setting adds another layer to the role of geriatricians and specialists. Patients admitted for one condition may develop additional complications, requiring the expertise of an internist or a geriatrician. The broader understanding of geriatric medicine enables these professionals to guide and assist in managing issues such as uncontrolled diabetes, bedsores, or incontinence, even if the patient was initially admitted under a different department.
Collaborative Approach:
One of the key takeaways from Dr. Asokan's insights is the collaborative approach in healthcare. Regardless of the point of encounter, collaboration between specialists, physicians, and geriatricians becomes essential. In complex cases, seeking assistance from internal medicine or geriatric experts ensures a well-rounded and comprehensive approach to patient care.
Conclusion:
As the healthcare landscape evolves, understanding the nuanced differences in the roles of geriatricians and specialists is crucial. Dr. Sajesh Asokan's expertise highlights the multifaceted nature of providing healthcare to the elderly, emphasizing the need for a tailored and collaborative approach at every juncture of patient interaction.

Whether you are searching for informative articles, or looking for healthcare providers, Healthywrinkles is an excellent resource for all your senior care needs. We also have a great compilation of all the medical expert talks for healthy aging on Healthy Wrinkle YouTube channel.

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