Geriatric Care Coordination: Comparing the U.S., the U.K. and Japan

Objective: The purpose of this study was to review the literature published within the last decade related to the role of the pharmacist in geriatric care coordination in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan. Data Sources: An Internet search was conducted using the key words geriatric care coordination. Information posted between January 2001 – December 2011 was reviewed. Study Selection: The abstract and/or full text of each article was reviewed and articles were excluded if they did not relate directly (e.g. studies completed in other countries such as Italy or Germany). This resulted in a total of thirty review articles. Data Synthesis: The three main differences between the U.S., the U.K. and Japan are (1) the provision of home care, (2) the delivery of coordinated services, and (3) the perceptions of the quality of geriatric care provided. The key driving forces for the differences are culture, financing and education. Conclusion: As the number of elderly individuals in the population increases, countries will face the challenge to meet the increasing need for geriatric services. Pharmacists have an opportunity to help meet this challenge. Pharmacists are uniquely suited to mold their responsibilities around the changing needs of the growing geriatric population.