Nursing issues in care for the elderly in the emergency department: an overview of the literature

Accid Emerg Nurs. 2003 Apr;11(2):112-20. doi: 10.1016/s0965-2302(02)00163-7.

Abstract

Emergency care is an important link in the chain of care for geriatric patients. Due to the specific physiological, psychological, and social needs of elderly people, the type and quantity of emergency care are different for this group of patients than for other age groups. Consequently, they have a significant impact on the health care system. Doctors and nurses working in an emergency department must be aware of this specific situation and adjust the care that they provide accordingly. Appropriate communication between health care providers and patients, a sound assessment of functional status and cognitive ability, and specific attention to verbal and written discharge guidelines are indispensable.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Emergency Nursing / methods*
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / statistics & numerical data
  • Geriatric Assessment / methods
  • Geriatric Nursing / methods*
  • Humans
  • Patient Discharge
  • Professional-Patient Relations
  • Triage / methods