Journal article

Managing older patients safely in the time critical environment of an emergency department

JA Lowthian, C Brand, AL Barker, N Andrianopoulos, C Smith, C Batey, P De V Smit, HH Newnham, P Hunter, PA Cameron

HONG KONG JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE | SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD | Published : 2012

Abstract

Demand for emergency department (ED) services is increasing worldwide. The fastest growth in ED presentations is by patients aged ≥65 years, currently representing 18% of all attendances. Older patients present with more complex clinical conditions and multiple co-morbidities. This means they are likely to spend more time in ED, are more likely to be admitted to hospital, and are more likely to re-attend. The Safe Elderly Emergency Discharge (SEED) project aims to determine whether current models of emergency care ensure safe discharge and facilitate optimal health outcomes for older patients; and develop a tailored evidencebased care framework applicable to Australian and international sett..

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