Geriatrics

The Complex Operative Unit (COU) of Geriatrics adopts a clinical management model based on patient severity stratification, referred to as the “care intensity model.” Its organizational structure comprises four distinct sectors:

1. Outpatient Services: Delivery of comprehensive care packages addressing conditions such as cognitive decline, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, anemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart failure.
2. Inpatient Ward: Specialized in the management of frail elderly patients, with a focus on cardio-respiratory diseases.
3. Orthogeriatrics: Coordinated with the Orthopedics COU to manage elderly patients with hip fractures (linked to the orthogeriatric care pathway).
4. Sub-Intensive Care: Designed for advanced management of frail patients with severe conditions and high clinical instability (linked to the rationale for sub-intensive care).

• Diagnostic assessment and follow-up for anemia, hypertension, and diabetes in elderly patients.
• Management of respiratory and cardiac failure in elderly patients using advanced ventilatory support.
• Care for elderly patients in chronic critical conditions requiring tracheostomy and invasive mechanical ventilation.

Research and Educational Activities:

The Geriatrics COU is affiliated with a dedicated Research Unit that focuses on the genetics of frailty in the elderly, with particular attention to neurodegenerative diseases and sarcopenia.

The Research Unit also works on developing and validating innovative technology-assisted care models for frail elderly individuals, including the integration of robotic platforms. It actively participates in European and national research initiatives.

Clinical Studies:

• SIMMS: Development and validation of an integrated software and hardware system for non-invasive sarcopenia assessment. Funded under POR Puglia FESR-FSE 2014-2020 - European Regional Development Fund - Axis I “Research, Technological Development, and Innovation” - Action 1.4 “Promotion of New Markets for Innovation” - Sub-Action 1.4.b.
• MSLAB Project: Creation of an AI-driven decision-support system to mitigate psycho-behavioral disturbances in dementia patients through neurosensory stimulation. Funded under POR 2014-2020 - Axis I - Action 1.4.b - INNOLABS Program: “Support for the Development of Innovative Solutions to Address Socially Relevant Issues.”
• MARIO: Development of robotic systems for the care and support of elderly patients with dementia. Funded under H2020-EU.3.1.4.
• Metabolink: Development of a software platform for continuous remote monitoring of vital parameters in patients with metabolic diseases (e.g., obesity and diabetes). PCP Action 1.4.3 PO FESR 2007-2013.
• Diabesitycare: Development of an integrated technological system, including hardware and software, for remote monitoring and coaching of diabetic patients. Regional initiative (BURP n. 216 dated 08/27/2014).
• SI-ROBOTICS: Development of tailored robotic solutions to support frail individuals in various care settings. Funded under PON “Research and Innovation” 2014-2020 and FSC (ongoing).
• ON (Pilots for Healthy and Active Aging): Creation of an open, customizable software platform to enhance interoperability across diverse healthcare data streams. Funded under H2020-EU.3.1.4.1 - H2020-EU.2.1.1.3 (ongoing).
• ACCRA: Agile Co-Creation of Robots for Aging. Development of advanced methodologies to design robotic solutions for mobility assistance and social engagement. Funded under H2020 PM-14-2016.
• HOPE Project: Development of a technological ecosystem to support dementia care. European project funded under the AAL Program.
• MPI_AGE: Development and validation of innovative care models based on multidimensional assessment. Collaborating partner. European project funded under the Health Program 2007-2013.

Indicators:

• Annual patient discharges: Approximately 150
• Average length of stay: Around 10 days