Recommendations for the care of geriatric patients in the emergency department

As global populations age, the Emergency Department (ED) increasingly becomes critical for addressing geriatric patients' complex needs. These patients often present with unique vulnerabilities, including multimorbidity, cognitive impairment, and social and economic issues, which require multifaceted and tailored approaches to care. Emergency geriatric medicine is a young and emerging field of emergency medicine. Bioethical considerations that should support the practice of geriatric emergency medicine and the essential role of a multidisciplinary approach in ensuring ethical and patient-centered care are addressed. Practical recommendations to improve care quality and equity include education of ED staff, interdisciplinary collaboration, early identification of frailty and comprehensive geriatric assessment, and policy reforms and implementation. 

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