The ECRI Institute estimates about 50 geriatric EDs are in operation in the United States and another 150 are in development. The growth is necessary to meet the needs of the number of Americans aged 65 or older, which will reach 89 million by 2050. Older adults make up a quarter of all ED visits, according to the AMN article.The majority of changes necessary for implementing a successful geriatric ED are physical ones, Healthcare Design magazine reported. Soft colors, large-face clocks, calendars and patient boards, and nonskid floors and handrails create a more effective environment for treating geriatric patients.
The changes are essential, considering ED visits can negatively affect older patients with complex conditions, which often worsen aft their visits, according to a 2013 study published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine, FierceHealthcare previously reported. Before arriving, 46 percent of the elderly patients required help for daily activities--a number that rose to 67 percent at the ED. Moreover, about 48 percent of patients already had a geriatric syndrome, such as immobility, confusion and incontinence, before visiting the ED. After their visit, about 78 percent had a geriatric syndrome.
To learn more:
- here's the AMN article
- read the Healthcare Design piece
- check out the ECRI report (.pdf)
