We explore the expanding field of Geriatric Emergency Medicine.
Ula Hwang, MD
https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/Geriatric_Emergency_Medicine.mp3
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Tags: Geriatric
Show Notes
Key Topics Discussed
Importance and impact of geriatric emergency departments.Optimizing care strategies for geriatric patients in ED settings.Practical approaches for non-geriatric-specific EDs.Challenges in Geriatric Emergency Care
Geriatric patients often present with:Multiple chronic conditionsPolypharmacyFunctional decline (mobility issues, cognitive impairments, social isolation)Adapting Clinical Approach
Core objective remains acute issue diagnosis and treatment.Additional considerations for geriatric patients:Review and caution with medications to prevent adverse reactions.Address functional limitations and cognitive impairments.Emphasize safe discharge and care transitions to prevent unnecessary hospitalization.Identifying High-Risk Geriatric Patients
Screening tools:Identification of Seniors at Risk (ISAR)Frailty screensAlignment with the “Age-Friendly Health Systems” initiative focusing on:MentationMobilityMedicationsPatient preferences (what matters most)Mistreatment (elder abuse awareness)Minimizing Hospital-Related Harms
Involvement of multidisciplinary teams:Social workers and care managers for care transitionsGeriatric-certified pharmacists for medication reviewCoordination with outpatient services post-dischargeImplementing Geriatric Care in All EDs
Basic geriatric care achievable even in resource-limited or rural EDs.Level 3 Geriatric ED Accreditation can be achieved through:Improved care transitionsStaff education enhancementsAge-friendly environments (comfort, nutrition, hydration)Future of Geriatric Emergency Medicine
Vision: Universal integration of geriatric-focused care.Goals:Enhanced patient experienceImproved care transitionsAlignment of treatments with patient goalsBroader enhancement of emergency care quality for all patient populations
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