Preventing emergency department admissions for older people

Abstract

Older people are among the most vulnerable members of the community, so when this population attends a hospital emergency department (ED) with comorbidities and polypharmacy they require complex care planning. Every year it is estimated that 28–33% of over 65-year-olds and 32–42% of over 75-year-olds will fall, and associated mortality and morbidity threatens functional independence and quality of life (Royal College of Physicians (RCP), 2011). As the older population increases, it is imperative that ED discharge strategies be strengthened to prevent exponential default to hospital admission and to ensure the care needs of the elderly are planned well.