Prioritizing Care of Older Adults in Times of Emergency Department Overcrowding

Abstract

creation of multi/transdisciplinary efforts to address the overcrowding of older adults in the ED. There has also been great success in improving outcomes with modified Hospital Elder Life Programs (HELP) 17 and Geriatric Surgical Verification (GSV) programs. 18 In addition, the Nurses Improving Care for Health System Elders (NICHE) program 19 has had great success in training nurses to be geriatric resource nurses within successful programs. More such 3I initiatives are needed. With the above recommendations we can begin to address this critical epidemic by leveraging transdisciplinary expertise, local and national partners, and policymakers. We urge local and national leaders to address the boarding crises of older adults and how to mitigate its impact, consolidate strengths