Assessment of frailty in the person with type 2 diabetes mellitus: Expert analysis.

INTRODUCTION: People with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) have a higher prevalence of frailty compared to those without DM2. However, there is a lack of consensus on the diagnosis and clinical management of frail individuals with DM2. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to identify limitations and current needs in the use of the frailty concept in PCDM2 (people with DM2), as well as define and evaluate the dimensions that should be included in its routine clinical assessment. METHODS: A multidisciplinary team of eight health professionals from different hospitals in Spain participated in a process based on the nominal group technique. RESULTS: The study identified eight limitations in the assessment of frailty in PCDM2, categorized by importance, and 10 unmet needs related to the diagnosis and follow-up of the disease. Additionally, seven dimensions were identified that should be included in the definition of frail individuals with DM2, prioritized by importance and novelty. CONCLUSIONS: This article aims to increase knowledge and usage of the frailty concept in individuals with DM2 within the medical community. It also suggests the potential for future projects to develop a consensus definition of frailty tailored to this specific group.

Recommendations on the comprehensive, multidimensional assessment of hospitalized elderly people. Position of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine.

This position paper describes the most relevant and essential aspects of a comprehensive, multidimensional assessment of hospitalized elderly people. The change in demographic patterns and the epidemiological profiles of diseases makes it necessary for internal medicine departments to adapt in order to take into account the vulnerabilities of the elderly in this context. A comprehensive, multidimensional assessment and the multidisciplinary development of a care plan during hospitalization can have an impact in terms of preventing mortality, disability, and institutionalization at discharge. It is necessary for all internists to acquire skills to improve the hospitalization experience in the elderly and obtain better health outcomes in our patients. This document has been developed by the Focus Group on Aging and the Polypathological and Advanced Age Working Group and endorsed by the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine.

Recommendations on the comprehensive, multidimensional assessment of hospitalized elderly people. Position of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine. / Recomendaciones sobre la valoración integral y multidimensional del anciano hospitalizado. Posicionamiento de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna.

This position paper describes the most relevant and essential aspects of a comprehensive, multidimensional assessment of hospitalized elderly people. The change in demographic patterns and the epidemiological profiles of diseases makes it necessary for internal medicine departments to adapt in order to take into account the vulnerabilities of the elderly in this context. A comprehensive, multidimensional assessment and the multidisciplinary development of a care plan during hospitalization can have an impact in terms of preventing mortality, disability, and institutionalization at discharge. It is necessary for all internists to acquire skills to improve the hospitalization experience in the elderly and obtain better health outcomes in our patients. This document has been developed by the Focus Group on Aging and the Polypathological and Advanced Age Working Group and endorsed by the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine.

Abdominal ultrasound and medical education.

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasound is a very versatile diagnostic modality that permits real-time visualization of multiple internal organs. It is of invaluable help for the physical examination of the patients. AIM: To assess if ultrasound can be incorporated into medical education and if the students can perform a basic abdominal ultrasound examination without the necessity of a long period of training. METHODOLOGY: Twelve medical students were trained in basic abdominal ultrasound during a 15-h training program including a 5-h theoretical and practical course and supervised practice in 20 selected patients. Subsequently, we conducted an evaluation test that assessed the ability of students to obtain the ultrasound views and to detect various pathologies in five different patients. RESULTS: The students were able to correctly identify the abdominal views more than 90% of the times. This percentage was only lower (80%) in the right subcostal view to locate the gallbladder. The accuracy or global efficiency of the ultrasound for the diagnosis of relevant pathological findings of the patients was greater than 90% (91.1% gallstones, abdominal aortic aneurysm 100%; splenomegaly 98.3%, ascites 100%; dilated inferior vena cava 100%; acute urinary retention 100%). CONCLUSION: The ultrasound may be a feasible learning tool in medical education. Ultrasound can help students to improve the physical examination.