Emergency department managers warned of 'catastrophic' crowding due to elderly.
While a new study indicates there may be twice as many elderly patients visiting your ED in 2013 as there were in 2003, there are steps to minimize the amount of time they spend in your department. Develop a list of outpatient links to home health agencies, visiting nurse organizations, care centers, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Negotiate a reimbursement arrangement that provides an incentive for administration to help move your patients upstairs more quickly. Make sure your staff are aware of the unique presentations seen in the elderly. This will help speed diagnosis and care.
D000368:Aged; D003441:Crowding; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States