Hospitals describe how they are building patient-friendly systems for elderly

Six health organizations participated in an Institute for Healthcare Improvement learning series to discuss ways to improve services and care for older adults. The Alaska-based Southcentral Foundation helps patients and families prepare for expected physical and emotional changes that may occur with aging and accompanies them to co-design individualized plans to meet their needs. Stanford Health in Palo Alto, Calif., discussed its focus on people, processes and technology, which enables Stanford to use care coaches and artificial intelligence to identify mortality risk. The systems leverage coordinated teams of clinicians, social workers and care coordinators who enable patients to receive comprehensive support. They also address the social determinants of health to ensure patients have sufficient housing, transportation and community services. (IHI blog article, 10/29/25)