[Geriatric trauma centers from the idea to implementation. What has been achieved?]

Area of Science:

• Traumatology
• Geriatric Medicine
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Geriatric fractures are increasing due to demographic shifts.
• Comorbidities in older adults lead to perioperative complications, reduced mobility, and increased social burden.
• An interdisciplinary approach is essential for optimal geriatric trauma care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish criteria for interdisciplinary treatment and comprehensive care in geriatric fracture centers.
• To implement a certification process for geriatric trauma centers (AltersTraumaZentrum DGU).
• To create a geriatric fracture registry for data collection and quality improvement.

Main Methods:

• The geriatric trauma working party defined criteria for specialized centers.
• An independent audit process was established for center certification.
• A geriatric fracture registry with an international data set was implemented.

Main Results:

• Certified geriatric trauma centers (AltersTraumaZentrum DGU) provide specialized care.
• Participation in the registry allows for international benchmarking and quality assessment.
• The registry facilitates health services research in geriatric trauma.

Conclusions:

• Certified geriatric trauma centers improve the management of older adults with fractures.
• The registry and audit process drive continuous quality improvement and research.
• This initiative addresses the growing challenges of geriatric trauma care through a structured, data-driven approach.