Evolving prehospital, emergency department, and "inpatient" management models for geriatric emergencies

Abstract

Alternative management methods are essential to ensure high-quality and efficient emergency care for the growing number of geriatric adults worldwide. Protocols to support early condition-specific treatment of older adults with acute severe illness and injury are needed. Improved emergency department care for older adults will require providers to address the influence of other factors on the patient's health. This article describes recent and ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of emergency care for older adults using alternative management approaches spanning the spectrum from prehospital care, through the emergency department, and into evolving inpatient or outpatient processes of care.

Figure 1a

Traditional EM Management Pathway* *Adapted from [11] with permission.

Figure 1b

Geriatric Emergency Care Model* *Adapted from [11] with permission.