Study of the utilization of the geriatric clinic at the main University Hospital in Alexandria

ABSTRACT

The present study was conducted at the Outpatient Geriatric Clinic of the Main Hospital of Alexandria University aiming to illustrate the characteristic of the elderly clinic users, their pattern of utilization and the quality of medical care provided. During a 6-week period, 99 elderly patients were included in the study. The majority were between 60 and 70 years of age, women, widowed or divorced, living with family members, of low income, residing close to the clinic and suffering most frequently from cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disorders. High rates of utilization were shown by elderly males; those living with a family member; those suffering from multiple health problems and those with very low income. Inadequate quality of medical care provided to elderly patients was also evidenced