Optimizing Emergency Care for Older Adults: A Comprehensive Guide

Guest edited by Drs. Michael Malone and Kevin Biese, this issue of Clinics in Geriatric Medicine focuses on the critical topic of care for older adults in the emergency department. The collection of articles provides healthcare professionals with the knowledge and strategies necessary to deliver high-quality care to this vulnerable population.

Approach to the Older Patient in the Emergency Department

This article outlines the unique considerations and approaches required when treating older adults in the emergency setting. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinct needs and challenges faced by this demographic group.

Ten Best Practices for Older Adults in the Emergency Department

This piece presents ten evidence-based practices designed to improve the care and outcomes of older adults in the emergency department. These practices cover a range of topics, from communication strategies to medication management.

Delirium and Dementia

This article delves into the complex issues surrounding delirium and dementia in older adults, providing insights into the diagnosis, treatment, and management of these conditions in the emergency department setting.

Falls and Geriatric Trauma

Falls are a leading cause of injury and death among older adults, and this article explores the prevention, assessment, and treatment of falls in the emergency department. It also discusses the unique aspects of geriatric trauma care.

Older Adults in the Emergency Department with Frailty

This piece focuses on the growing issue of frailty among older adults in the emergency department, highlighting the importance of identifying and addressing frailty to improve patient outcomes.

Communication Strategies to Better Care for Older Individuals in the Emergency Department

Effective communication is crucial in the care of older adults, and this article presents strategies for improving communication between healthcare providers, patients, and their families in the emergency department.

Systems-based Practice to Improve Care Within and Beyond the Emergency Department

This article discusses the importance of systems-based practice in enhancing the care of older adults both within and beyond the emergency department. It emphasizes the need for a coordinated approach to address the complex needs of this population.

Common Medication Management Approaches for Older Adults in the Emergency Department

This piece reviews the common medication management challenges faced in the care of older adults in the emergency department, providing guidance on optimal medication strategies for this demographic group.

Elder Abuse and Neglect

Elder abuse and neglect are serious concerns in the care of older adults, and this article addresses the identification, reporting, and prevention of these issues in the emergency department setting.

Care of those with end-of-life needs / Advanced illnesses in the Emergency Department

This article explores the unique challenges and opportunities in providing end-of-life care to older adults in the emergency department, emphasizing the importance of addressing the complex needs of patients with advanced illnesses.

Behavioral Health Needs of Older Adults in the Emergency Department

This piece focuses on the behavioral health needs of older adults in the emergency department, including the assessment and management of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.

Pain Management Strategies for Older Adults in the Emergency Department

This article reviews the evidence-based strategies for managing pain in older adults in the emergency department, highlighting the importance of balancing pain relief with the potential risks associated with various treatments.