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. 2024 May 20;24(1):86.
doi: 10.1186/s12873-024-01004-y.

Optimizing older patient care in emergency departments: a comprehensive survey of current practices and challenges in Northern Italy

Elena Pinardi  1   2 , Alice Margherita Ornago  3   4 , Angelo Bianchetti  4   5 , Alessandro Morandi  4   6   7 , Stefano Mantovani  4   8 , Alessandra Marengoni  4   9 , Mauro Colombo  4   10 , Beatrice Arosio  4   11 , Chukwuma Okoye  3   4   12 , Francesca Cortellaro  13 , Giuseppe Bellelli  3   4   12
Affiliations

Optimizing older patient care in emergency departments: a comprehensive survey of current practices and challenges in Northern Italy

Elena Pinardi et al. BMC Emerg Med. .

Abstract

Background: The progressive aging of the population and the increasing complexity of health issues contribute to a growing number of older individuals seeking emergency care. This study aims to assess the state of the art of care provided to older people in the Emergency Departments of Lombardy, the most populous region in Italy, counting over 2 million people aged 65 years and older.

Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was developed and disseminated among emergency medicine physicians and physicians affiliated to the Lombardy section of the Italian Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology (SIGG), during June and July 2023. The questionnaire covered hospital profiles, geriatric consultation practices, risk assessment tools, discharge processes and perspectives on geriatric emergency care.

Results: In this mixed method research, 219 structured interviews were collected. The majority of physicians were employed in hospitals, with 54.7% being geriatricians. Critical gaps in older patient's care were identified, including the absence of dedicated care pathways, insufficient awareness of screening tools, and a need for enhanced professional training.

Conclusions: Tailored protocols and geriatric educational programs are crucial for improving the quality of emergency care provided to older individuals. These measures might also help relieve the burden on the Emergency Departments, thereby potentially enhancing overall efficiency and ensuring better outcomes.

Keywords: Emergency department; Geriatric care; Older adults; Survey.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Stacked bar chart showing the proportion of responses regarding primary reasons for geriatric consultation in Emergency Departments (n = 72). Note: responses were provided on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (never) to 5 (always)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Distribution of older patient care perceptions among Geriatric medicine, Emergency medicine and other specialists on Likert-scale statements. Note: responses were provided on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (totally disagree) to 5 (totally agree). *p-value < 0.05
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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