Comfort or Care: Why Do We Have to Choose? Implementing a Geriatric Trauma Palliative Care Program.

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Trauma Care
• Palliative Medicine
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• The geriatric population (≥65 years) is rapidly expanding in the US.
• Geriatric trauma patients face higher mortality rates and increased resource needs.
• A dedicated Geriatric Trauma Palliative Care Program was established at a Level 1 Trauma Center.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Palliative Care Best Practices Guidelines for geriatric trauma patients.
• To provide concurrent lifesaving therapies and primary palliative care.
• To address the spiritual, emotional, and psychiatric needs of geriatric trauma patients and their families.

Main Methods:

• Gap analysis and program development based on ACS guidelines.
• Creation of a palliative care pathway for evidence-based practice.
• Retrospective chart reviews for pre- and post-implementation analysis (3-month periods).
• Statistical analysis using Person's χ test and Fisher's exact test.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant improvements (p < .001) were observed post-implementation.
• Key improvements noted in primary palliative care implementation.
• Enhanced pain and symptom management and end-of-life care were documented.

Conclusions:

• The implemented guidelines provided a consistent framework for essential palliative care competencies.
• The Geriatric Trauma Palliative Care Program demonstrated success in improving care for older adults.
• Evidence-based palliative care is crucial for optimizing outcomes in geriatric trauma patients.