Nurse-Led and Physician-Led Interventions in Geriatric Care: A Comparative Health Outcomes Analysis

Abstract

Geriatric care delivery faces mounting challenges with aging populations requiring specialized interventions to maintain quality of life and functional independence. This comparative analysis examines health outcomes between nurse-led and physician-led interventions in geriatric populations. The study synthesized evidence from randomized controlled trials and observational studies comparing clinical outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and patient satisfaction between these two care delivery models. Data from multiple healthcare settings including primary care, long-term care facilities, and transitional care programs were analyzed. Results demonstrated that nurse practitioners achieved enhanced outcomes in 58% of measured parameters compared to physician-only care, with particular strengths in chronic disease management, medication adherence, and care coordination. Nurse-led interventions reduced 30-day readmission rates by 0.55% and achieved lower mortality rates. Cost analysis revealed significant savings ranging from $924 to $2,626 per patient depending on condition complexity. Both models demonstrated effectiveness, with nurse-led care excelling in accessibility and preventive services while physician-led care showed advantages in acute clinical decision-making. The findings support integrated care models leveraging strengths of both professionals to optimize geriatric health outcomes.