The Relevance of Marjory Warren's Writings Today

Marjory Warren was one of the initial geriatricians in the United Kingdom. She established specialized geriatric units, held important administrative positions, and wrote influential papers where she argued for the need of the specialty of geriatric medicine and outlined principles for inpatient care of older adults with chronic illness. We compare and contrast Warren's early papers describing these principles with contemporary models for improving inpatient care of older adults and the need for the specialty of geriatrics. Warren's writings on the inpatient care of older adults presage the principles of both Hospital Elder Life Programs and Acute Care of the Elderly units. The importance of multidisciplinary teams, the physical environment, attention to diverse issues (medical, social, functional), early ambulation, and the active involvement of the older person in their daily routine are present in Warren's writings and in contemporary approaches. Warren's arguments for both the specialty of geriatric medicine and increased training of nonspecialist physicians and other health professionals are remarkably similar to those made in a recent Institute of Medicine report. Across time and place, there has been consistency in the general principles perceived as required for the effective cares of older persons, but challenges persist in implementing and sustaining them.