scholarly journals P047: Understanding the expert approach to managing frailty in the emergency department

CJEM ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (S1) ◽  
pp. S79-S80
Author(s):  
S. Forrester ◽  
M. Nelson ◽  
S. McLeod ◽  
D. Melady
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Patient Population ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Clinical Approach ◽  
Older Patient ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Frail Older Adults ◽  
Increased Risk

Introduction: Frailty is a state of vulnerability affecting older adults, and has been associated with adverse events such as increased risk of institutionalization, falls, functional decline, and mortality. Previous research suggests that emergency department (ED) physicians are much less comfortable managing the complex care needs of frail, older adults. The objective of this study was to identify successful strategies and expert skills that ED physicians possess to optimally manage the frail, older patient. Methods: An interpretive descriptive qualitative study was conducted. One of the investigators contacted the site leads of 12 academic and community EDs across Canada to identify ED physicians who they perceived as being highly skilled in the care of frail, older patients. 22 individual physicians were identified and 13 physicians representing 10 EDs were invited to participate in a 30-minute semi-structured interview. Transcripts were coded by two members of the research team. Data collection is ongoing and analyses will occur until thematic saturation. Results: All participants indicated they were very comfortable managing the frail, older patient in the ED. Awareness of issues related to this patient population were triggered by both clinical and personal experiences, as well as institutional priorities. When asked how they developed their specific skills for this patient population, participants stated they received limited formal training during residency and early practise, but relied on situational learning, access to role models and engagement in self-directed learning. Participants identified three predominant management strategies for the care of the frail, older patient: thorough patient interaction at the start of the clinical encounter to maximize efficiency; engaging in teamwork to manage complex issues; and early involvement of the family/caregivers. Interestingly, not all participants used the term frailty, however most reflected principles of the concept in their discussion. Conclusion: Currently, principles of caring for frail, older adults are not widespread in emergency medicine residency training. These findings suggest that frailty care frequently requires an alternative clinical approach, which is often derived from personal experience, self-directed and experiential learning. Future educational initiatives should derive, implement and evaluate a wide-spread curriculum to teach the skills required to optimally care for these patients.

scholarly journals Embracement with risk classification in the emergency department from the perspective of older adults

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 14-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Valéria Furquim Gonçalves ◽  
Carla Cristiane Kottwitz Bierhals ◽  
Lisiane Manganelli Girardi Paskulin
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Patient Classification ◽  
Porto Alegre ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Assessment Protocol ◽  
Study Approach

Objective: To assess practices of embracement at the patient intake area of the emergency department of Porto Alegre Clinicas Hospital from the perspective of the older adults.Methods: Qualitative investigation using the case study approach with 30 older adults trough semi-structured interview between July by November 2010. Data were assessed by thematic analysis with the Nvivo software suite.Results: Responses focused on wait times and on the role of nurses in patient classification. User embracement practices enhanced the work process and highlighted the direct contact between nurses and users.Conclusions: The care needs of the older adults, the respect for the assessment protocol intervals and work on internal and external network can be improved in order to qualify attention to these patients.

scholarly journals The Role of Emergency Medical Services in Geriatrics: Bridging the Gap between Primary and Acute Care

CJEM ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judah Goldstein ◽  
Jennifer McVey ◽  
Stacy Ackroyd-Stolarz
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Acute Care ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Frail Older Adults ◽  
Emergency Medical

AbstractCaring for older adults is a major function of emergency medical services (EMS). Traditional EMS systems were designed to treat single acute conditions; this approach contrasts with best practices for the care of frail older adults. Care might be improved by the early identification of those who are frail and at highest risk for adverse outcomes. Paramedics are well positioned to play an important role via a more thorough evaluation of frailty (or vulnerability). These findings may inform both pre-hospital and subsequent emergency department (ED) based decisions. Innovative programs involving EMS, the ED, and primary care could reduce the workload on EDs while improving patient access to care, and ultimately patient outcomes. Some frail older adults will benefit from the resources and specialized knowledge provided by the ED, while others may be better helped in alternative ways, usually in coordination with primary care. Discerning between these groups is a challenge worthy of further inquiry. In either case, care should be timely, with a focus on identifying emergent or acute care needs, frailty evaluation, mobility assessments, identifying appropriate goals for treatment, promoting functional independence, and striving to have the patient return to their usual place of residence if this can be done safely. Paramedics are uniquely positioned to play a larger role in the care of our aging population. Improving paramedic education as it pertains to geriatrics is a critical next step.

scholarly journals Two-Item Fall Screening Tool Identifies Older Adults at Increased Risk of Falling after Emergency Department Visit

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Solie ◽  
Morgan Swanson ◽  
Kari Harland ◽  
Christopher Blum ◽  
Kevin Kin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Emergency Department Visit ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Risk Of Falling ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Fall Screening

scholarly journals National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) and 3-level triage scale as risk predictors in frail older adults in the emergency department

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsi Kemp ◽  
Janne Alakare ◽  
Veli-Pekka Harjola ◽  
Timo Strandberg ◽  
Jukka Tolonen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Hospital Admission ◽  
Early Warning ◽  
Early Warning Score ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Frail Older Adults ◽  
High Dependency ◽  
National Early Warning Score ◽  
Risk Predictors

Abstract Background The aim of the emergency department (ED) triage is to recognize critically ill patients and to allocate resources. No strong evidence for accuracy of the current triage instruments, especially for the older adults, exists. We evaluated the National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) and a 3-level triage assessment as risk predictors for frail older adults visiting the ED. Methods This prospective, observational study was performed in a Finnish ED. The data were collected in a six-month period and included were ≥ 75-year-old residents with Clinical Frailty Scale score of at least four. We analyzed the predictive values of NEWS2 and the three-level triage scale for 30-day mortality, hospital admission, high dependency unit (HDU) and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, a count of 72-h and 30-day revisits, and ED length-of-stay (LOS). Results A total of 1711 ED visits were included. Median for age, CFS, LOS and NEWS2 were 85 years, 6 points, 6.2 h and 1 point, respectively. 30-day mortality was 96/1711. At triage, 69, 356 and 1278 of patients were assessed as red, yellow and green, respectively. There were 1103 admissions, of them 31 to an HDU facility, none to ICU. With NEWS2 and triage score, AUCs for 30-day mortality prediction were 0.70 (0.64–0.76) and 0.62 (0.56–0.68); for hospital admission prediction 0.62 (0.60–0.65) and 0.55 (0.52–0.56), and for HDU admission 0.72 (0.61–0.83) and 0.80 (0.70–0.90), respectively. The NEWS2 divided into risk groups of low, medium and high did not predict the ED LOS (p = 0.095). There was a difference in ED LOS between the red/yellow and as red/green patient groups (p < 0.001) but not between the yellow/green groups (p = 0.59). There were 48 and 351 revisits within 72 h and 30 days, respectively. With NEWS2 AUCs for 72-h and 30-day revisit prediction were 0.48 (95% CI 0.40–0.56) and 0.47 (0.44–0.51), respectively; with triage score 0.48 (0.40–0.56) and 0.49 (0.46–0.52), respectively. Conclusions The NEWS2 and a local 3-level triage scale are statistically significant, but poor in accuracy, in predicting 30-day mortality, and HDU admission but not ED LOS or revisit rates for frail older adults. NEWS2 also seems to predict hospital admission.

Intention to use respite services among informal care-givers of frail older adults in China: the role of care needs change

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qian Sun ◽  
Nan Lu ◽  
Nan Jiang ◽  
Vivian W. Q. Lou
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Informal Care ◽  
Respite Care ◽  
Intention To Use ◽  
Care Giver ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Frail Older Adults ◽  
Care Givers ◽  
Time Invariant

AbstractPopulation ageing in China calls for evidence-based solutions, especially in terms of fulfilling long-term care needs among frail older adults. Respite services are identified as effective resources for alleviating care-giver burden and promoting the wellbeing of both older adults and their family care-givers. However, respite care is often under-used in China. This research aimed to examine factors associated with intention to use respite services among informal care-givers in Shanghai, mainland China. This study was part of the Longitudinal Study on Family Caregivers for Frail Older Adults in Shanghai. Pairs of older adults and their care-givers (N = 583) who successfully completed the 2013 and 2016 waves were included in the data analysis. Two logistic regression models were conducted, one with time-invariant and one with time-variant factors. The model with time-variant factors had greater explanatory power than the original Andersen model with time-invariant factors influencing intention to use respite services among care-givers. Care-givers had higher odds of intending to use respite services if they had higher care-giving burden, were caring elderly people who experienced care-giver transitions, or were caring for elderly people with increased function of ambulation or decreased function of feeding. The findings imply that change in functional health was a significant determinant of intention to use respite care. Relevant policy and service implications will be discussed.

scholarly journals A Systematic Review Examining the Efficacy of Epidural Analgesia on Mortality in Older Adult Patients with Rib Fractures

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin Casimiro
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Epidural Analgesia ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Patient Population ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Pulmonary Complications ◽  
Rib Fractures ◽  
Definitive Treatment ◽  
Increased Risk

Rib fractures are a common consequence of blunt force trauma, producing pain and potentially leading to complications such as pneumonia, atelectasis, respiratory failure, and death. Due to physiological changes related to aging, older adults aged 65 and over are at increased risk for developing such complications. Aggressive treatment of pain has been recognized as paramount in preventing such consequences. While there are multiple modalities to treat pain related to rib fractures, epidural analgesia has frequently been recognized as an effective means of preventing pulmonary complications and decreasing mortality in an opioid sparing technique. However, it remains unclear if this therapy would serve as a definitive treatment in the population of older adults. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the effect of epidural analgesia on decreasing mortality in the older adult patient population. Literature and pertinent randomized controlled trials were searched for inclusion within this review. Six trials were included within this review utilizing the PRISMA checklist and CASP tool to extract and critically appraise data. Cross study analysis was then utilized to determine overarching themes within the data. This systematic review did not find any statistically significant data to suggest that mortality is decreased in older adults by utilizing epidural analgesia after thoracic trauma. Further research is necessary utilizing prospective data focusing on this particular patient population in order to better determine the effectiveness of this treatment.

scholarly journals National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) and 3-Level Triage Scale as Risk Predictors in Frail Older Adults in the Emergency Department

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsi Kemp ◽  
Janne Alakare ◽  
Veli-Pekka Harjola ◽  
Timo Strandberg ◽  
Jukka Tolonen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Hospital Admission ◽  
Early Warning ◽  
Early Warning Score ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Frail Older Adults ◽  
High Dependency ◽  
National Early Warning Score ◽  
Risk Predictors

Abstract Background The aim of the emergency department (ED) triage is to recognize critically ill patients and to allocate resources. No strong evidence for accuracy of the current triage instruments, especially for the older adults, exists. We evaluated the National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) and a 3-level triage assessment as risk predictors for frail older adults visiting the ED.Methods This prospective, observational study was performed in a Finnish ED. The data were collected in a six-month period and included were ≥75-year-old residents with Clinical Frailty Scale score of at least four. We analyzed the predictive values of NEWS2 and the three-level triage scale for 30-day mortality, hospital admission, high dependency unit (HDU) and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, a count of 72-hour and 30-day revisits, and ED length-of-stay (LOS). Results A total of 1711 ED visits were included. Median for age, CFS, LOS and NEWS2 were 85 years, 6 points, 6.2 hours and 1 point, respectively. 30-day mortality was 96/1711. At triage, 69, 356 and 1278 of patients were assessed as red, yellow and green, respectively. There were 1103 admissions, of them 31 to an HDU facility, none to ICU.With NEWS2 and triage score, AUCs for 30-day mortality prediction were 0.70 (0.64-0.76) and 0.62 (0.56-0.68); for hospital admission prediction 0.62 (0.60-0.65) and 0.55 (0.52-0.56), and for HDU admission 0.72 (0.61-0.83) and 0.80 (0.70-0.90), respectively.The NEWS2 divided into risk groups of low, medium and high did not predict the ED LOS (p=0.095). There was a difference in ED LOS between the red/yellow and as red/green patient groups (p<0.001) but not between the yellow/green groups (p=0.59).There were 48 and 351 revisits within 72 hours and 30 days, respectively. With NEWS2 AUCs for 72-hour and 30-day revisit prediction were 0.48 (95% CI 0.40-0.56) and 0.47 (0.44-0.51), respectively; with triage score 0.48 (0.40-0.56) and 0.49 (0.46-0.52), respectively.Conclusions The NEWS2 and a local 3-level triage scale are statistically significant, but poor in accuracy, in predicting 30-day mortality, and HDU admission but not ED LOS or revisit rates for frail older adults. NEWS2 also seems to predict hospital admission

scholarly journals Factors affecting missed nursing care in hospitalized frail older adults in the medical wards: a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahra Rezaei-Shahsavarloo ◽  
Foroozan Atashzadeh-Shoorideh ◽  
Abbas Ebadi ◽  
Robbert J. J. Gobbens
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Nursing Care ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Frail Older Adults ◽  
Communication Problems ◽  
Moderating Factors ◽  
High Care ◽  
Missed Nursing Care

Abstract Background Frail older adults who are hospitalized, are more likely to experience missed nursing care (MNC) due to high care needs, communication problems, and complexity of nursing care. We conducted a qualitative study to examine the factors affecting MNC among hospitalized frail older adults in the medical units. Methods This qualitative study was carried using the conventional content analysis approach in three teaching hospitals. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 nurses through purposive and snowball sampling. The inclusion criteria for the nurses were: at least two years of clinical work experience on a medical ward, caring for frail older people in hospital and willingness to participate. Data were analyzed in accordance with the process described by Graneheim and Lundman. In addition, trustworthiness of the study was assessed using the criteria proposed by Lincoln and Guba. Results In general, 20 interviews were conducted with nurses. A total of 1320 primary codes were extracted, which were classified into two main categories: MNC aggravating and moderating factors. Factors such as “age-unfriendly structure,” “inefficient care,” and “frailty of older adults” could increase the risk of MNC. In addition, factors such as “support capabilities” and “ethical and legal requirements” will moderate MNC. Conclusions Hospitalized frail older adults are more at risk of MNC due to high care needs, communication problems, and nursing care complexity. Nursing managers can take practical steps to improve the quality of care by addressing the aggravating and moderating factors of MNC. In addition, nurses with a humanistic perspective who understand the multidimensional problems of frail older adults and pay attention to their weakness in expressing needs, can create a better experience for them in the hospital and improve patient safety.

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