title: Extended ED stay of the older adult results in poor patient outcome.
abstract: No matter what the size or location of your emergency department it is time to critically evaluate the patient care issue and impact of a delayed admission. Our case study centered on a trauma patient and the need for trauma protocols and trained staff. The good news about our case study is that it took place some time ago and since then the hospital has developed trauma protocols as they diligently work toward level 4 trauma certification. Similar protocols should be developed for critically ill patients. While our number 1 goal is to improve patient care and patient satisfaction, the financial bottom line of your facility will be impacted by the negative effects of this issue.
authors.affiliation: Shenango Presbyterian Senior Care, New Wilmington, PA, USA. question4gene@gmail.com
authors.forename: Nancy Stephens
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Donatelli
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gregorowicz
authors.forename: Joan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Somes
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D016638:Critical Illness; D003428:Cross Infection; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017052:Hospital Mortality; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*