Episode 208: Geriatric Emergency Medicine

We explore the expanding field of Geriatric Emergency Medicine.

Hosts:
Ula Hwang, MD
Brian Gilberti, MD

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Show Notes

Key Topics Discussed

• Importance and impact of geriatric emergency departments.
• Optimizing care strategies for geriatric patients in ED settings.
• Practical approaches for non-geriatric-specific EDs.

Challenges in Geriatric Emergency Care

• Geriatric patients often present with:
  • Multiple chronic conditions
  • Polypharmacy
  • Functional decline (mobility issues, cognitive impairments, social isolation)

Adapting Clinical Approach

• Core objective remains acute issue diagnosis and treatment.
• Additional considerations for geriatric patients:
  • Review and caution with medications to prevent adverse reactions.
  • Address functional limitations and cognitive impairments.
  • Emphasize safe discharge and care transitions to prevent unnecessary hospitalization.

Identifying High-Risk Geriatric Patients

• Screening tools:
  • Identification of Seniors at Risk (ISAR)
  • Frailty screens
• Alignment with the “Age-Friendly Health Systems” initiative focusing on:
  • Mentation
  • Mobility
  • Medications
  • Patient preferences (what matters most)
  • Mistreatment (elder abuse awareness)