Creating a Geriatric Emergency Department: A Practical Guide

Description

Author(s): John Schumacher; Don Melady
PDF : 5.7 MB

Creating a Geriatric Emergency Department: A Practical Guide is a comprehensive resource for healthcare administrators, emergency medicine professionals, and clinicians who aim to design and implement emergency departments (EDs) specifically tailored to older patients’ needs. With the growing geriatric population, this guide addresses the unique challenges and considerations required to make emergency care safer, more effective, and more accessible for elderly patients.

Key Features:

1. Step-by-Step Guide for Implementation: The book offers a clear, practical roadmap for establishing a geriatric-focused ED. It covers every phase, from initial planning and resource allocation to the physical design and staff training.
2. Focus on Geriatric-Specific Needs: This focus addresses the specific clinical and psychosocial needs of elderly patients in emergency care settings, including cognitive impairment, fall prevention, polypharmacy, and mobility issues.
3. Evidence-Based Best Practices: Integrates research-driven strategies that improve outcomes for elderly patients, with recommendations based on the latest studies in geriatrics and emergency medicine.
4. Case Studies and Real-Life Examples: This section provides insight into successful geriatric ED models with case studies from existing programs. These examples highlight both the challenges faced and the solutions implemented to enhance elder care in the ED.
5. Guidance on Staff Training and Education: Emphasizes the importance of training emergency department staff to handle common geriatric issues, such as delirium, medication management, and compassionate communication.
6. Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Teams: Encourages collaboration across specialties, including social work, nursing, pharmacy, and rehabilitation, to create a holistic, supportive environment for elderly patients.
7. Tools for Measuring Success: Includes metrics and tools to evaluate the effectiveness of geriatric EDs, allowing institutions to monitor and improve care quality continually.
8. Practical Design and Layout Tips: Offers recommendations on how to design a senior-friendly physical environment within the ED, with attention to lighting, noise reduction, and accessibility to improve patient comfort and safety.

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