In harm's way: Moving the older trauma patient toward a better outcome

Abstract

This century will bring an explosion in the geriatric population aged 65 and older, with those over 80 the fastest growing group. Falls, vehicle collisions, burns, and abuse are traumatic events that our geriatric patients may be susceptible to and from which they may not recover. Primary care providers should enhance their understanding of the complex issues of geriatric trauma to facilitate prevention and to assist the patient's recovery to normal function, addressing barriers such as immobility, pain, malnutrition, and acute confusion. Improved outcomes require combined efforts of disciplines and specialties intervening for optimal management for older trauma patients from pre-hospital care through rehabilitation or end-of-life issues.