A Survey of Emergency Department Staff About Challenges and Recommendations for Emergency Department Care of Extended Care Facility Patients

Because population projections predict an increasing trend of older adults, health care providers must think ahead and prepare for future medical needs. This survey was an inexpensive and effective way to identify next steps. We plan to use the survey results to initiate collaboration with ED staff, EMS providers, and ECF staff to identify specific actions to improve acute care for elderly patients-for the present and the future.