The Geriatric ED: Structure, Patient Care, and Considerations for the Emergency Department Geriatric Unit

SummaryThe emergency department (ED) is a unique medical care environment with many challenges. Aging populations increasingly use the ED as an acute and chronic treatment site given the accessibility and resources inherent to emergency provider staff. Given the challenges of emergency medical practice, particularly with limited interaction time and awareness for each patient, older patients are at a relatively high risk for inadequate or insufficient comprehensive care at these sites. This article discusses a number of considerations for the development of a unique elderly patient treatment space and care approach in the modern ED. A geriatric-specific approach should incorporate opportunities to enhance patient encounters by alterations in the traditional physical treatment space, the approach to medical and traumatic evaluations, neurocognitive functional assessment, and decision support for medical care and disposition following the ED visit.