EDs are using 'GEMs' to improve elder care.
Elderly ED patients present unique challenges, including potential falls, the need for family's help to complete their history, and the need for specialized community services following discharge. Several Canadian EDs have successfully addressed these problems with the creation of a new position: the geriatric emergency management (GEM) nurse. The nurses must obtain a clinical nursing specialty. It also is recommended that they have an emergency and geriatric working background of at least two years. GEMs conduct a comprehensive geriatric assessment to identify potential risks, and they aid in discharge assessments. GEMs educate patients and their families regarding geriatric issues and available community services.
D000368:Aged; D016529:Emergency Nursing / Q000193:education; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D009718:Nurse Administrators; D009864:Ontario; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D017749:Total Quality Management; D000078329:Workforce