Gait speed in the emergency department: improving assessment among older adults

The research to practice column is intended to improve the research critique skills of the advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) and to assist with the translation of research into practice. This column critiques the findings from a meta-analysis, "Gait speed and survival in older adults," by S. Studenski et al. (2011). The study was designed to assess the use of gait speed as a physical performance measure that is associated with survival. The findings are reviewed in the context of increasing emergency department (ED) visits among older adults and their unique assessment needs, with implications for APRN best care practices. The implementation of gait speed as a screening tool for identifying adults 65 years of age and older in the ED who may be at risk for adverse events and functional decline will also be discussed.