Availability of selected Institute of Medicine recommendations for geriatric care in hospitals providing care to injured older adults

This study evaluated the presence of eight geriatric care Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations in a representative sample of hospitals (N = 128) that provide care to injured older adults. Four data sources were utilized to form a dataset. Descriptive statistics were conducted and Chi-square analyses were used to examine differences among trauma center levels and non-trauma centers. Six IOM recommendations were present in less than 50% of hospitals. Recommendations related to computerized support for risk assessment of two geriatric-specific conditions (CAUTI, pressure ulcers) were present in more than 70% of hospitals. Level I and II trauma centers had greater adoption of recommendations than level III/IV trauma centers and non-trauma centers. Continued efforts are needed to promote and support the advancement of IOM recommendations throughout U.S. hospitals.