An Approach to the Older Patient in the Emergency Department

Area of Science:

• Geriatrics
• Emergency Medicine
• Geriatric Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Older adults present unique challenges in the emergency department (ED).
• Key domains include cognitive and functional impairment, atypical presentations, and medication management.
• Specialized care is needed for trauma, falls, and end-of-life issues in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges specific to older patients in the ED.
• To suggest strategies for a comprehensive, patient-centered approach.
• To highlight the benefits of integrating geriatric-specific assessments into ED workflows.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and clinical guidelines.
• Identification of critical domains for geriatric ED care.
• Development of a framework for a patient-centered ED approach.

Main Results:

• Older patients require simultaneous evaluation across multiple domains.
• A structured approach can address cognitive, functional, and care complexities.
• Implementation improves patient outcomes, provider satisfaction, and ED flow.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive, patient-centered ED approach is crucial for older adults.
• Integrating geriatric-specific assessments enhances care quality and efficiency.
• This model benefits patients, providers, and emergency department operations.