Disclaimer

These recommendations published by The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) incorporate data obtained from a literature review of the most recent studies available at the time. As with all clinical reference resources, they reflect the best understanding of the science of medicine at the time of publication, but they should be used with the clear understanding that continued research may result in new knowledge and recommendations. These Recommendations are intended for general information only, are not medical advice, and do not replace professional medical care and physician advice, which always should be sought for any specific condition.

DESCRIPTION

The purpose of these Geriatric Emergency Department Guidelines is to provide a standardized set of guidelines that can effectively improve the care of the geriatric population and which is feasible to implement in the Emergency Department. These guidelines create a template for staffing, equipment, education, policies and procedures, follow-up care, and performance improvement measures.

The recommendations found in this packet represent research and consensus-based best practices from the perspectives of the American College of Emergency Physicians, Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, American Geriatrics Society, and Emergency Nurses Association. With implementation of the following recommendations, hospitals, regardless of size, will positively impact the care of the geriatric emergency patients.