PDF(Pubmed)
Abstract：
BACKGROUND: The progressive aging of the population and the increasing complexity of health issues contribute to a growing number of older individuals seeking emergency care. This study aims to assess the state of the art of care provided to older people in the Emergency Departments of Lombardy, the most populous region in Italy, counting over 2 million people aged 65 years and older.
METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey was developed and disseminated among emergency medicine physicians and physicians affiliated to the Lombardy section of the Italian Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology (SIGG), during June and July 2023. The questionnaire covered hospital profiles, geriatric consultation practices, risk assessment tools, discharge processes and perspectives on geriatric emergency care.
RESULTS: In this mixed method research, 219 structured interviews were collected. The majority of physicians were employed in hospitals, with 54.7% being geriatricians. Critical gaps in older patient\'s care were identified, including the absence of dedicated care pathways, insufficient awareness of screening tools, and a need for enhanced professional training.
CONCLUSIONS: Tailored protocols and geriatric educational programs are crucial for improving the quality of emergency care provided to older individuals. These measures might also help relieve the burden on the Emergency Departments, thereby potentially enhancing overall efficiency and ensuring better outcomes.
METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey was developed and disseminated among emergency medicine physicians and physicians affiliated to the Lombardy section of the Italian Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology (SIGG), during June and July 2023. The questionnaire covered hospital profiles, geriatric consultation practices, risk assessment tools, discharge processes and perspectives on geriatric emergency care.
RESULTS: In this mixed method research, 219 structured interviews were collected. The majority of physicians were employed in hospitals, with 54.7% being geriatricians. Critical gaps in older patient\'s care were identified, including the absence of dedicated care pathways, insufficient awareness of screening tools, and a need for enhanced professional training.
CONCLUSIONS: Tailored protocols and geriatric educational programs are crucial for improving the quality of emergency care provided to older individuals. These measures might also help relieve the burden on the Emergency Departments, thereby potentially enhancing overall efficiency and ensuring better outcomes.
摘要：
背景：人口的逐渐老龄化和健康问题的日益复杂导致越来越多的老年人寻求紧急护理。这项研究旨在评估伦巴第急诊部门为老年人提供的最新护理状况，意大利人口最多的地区,超过200万65岁及以上的人。
方法：制定了一项在线横断面调查，并在意大利老年医学会（SIGG）伦巴第大区的急诊医师和医师中进行了传播，2023年6月和7月。问卷涵盖了医院概况，老年咨询实践，风险评估工具，老年急诊护理的出院过程和观点。
结果：在这项混合方法研究中，收集了219次结构化访谈。大多数医生受雇于医院，54.7%是老年病科医生。发现了老年患者护理中的关键差距，包括缺乏专门的护理途径，对筛查工具的认识不足，需要加强专业培训。
结论：量身定制的方案和老年教育计划对于提高老年人的急诊护理质量至关重要。这些措施也可能有助于减轻急诊室的负担，从而有可能提高整体效率并确保更好的结果。
方法：制定了一项在线横断面调查，并在意大利老年医学会（SIGG）伦巴第大区的急诊医师和医师中进行了传播，2023年6月和7月。问卷涵盖了医院概况，老年咨询实践，风险评估工具，老年急诊护理的出院过程和观点。
结果：在这项混合方法研究中，收集了219次结构化访谈。大多数医生受雇于医院，54.7%是老年病科医生。发现了老年患者护理中的关键差距，包括缺乏专门的护理途径，对筛查工具的认识不足，需要加强专业培训。
结论：量身定制的方案和老年教育计划对于提高老年人的急诊护理质量至关重要。这些措施也可能有助于减轻急诊室的负担，从而有可能提高整体效率并确保更好的结果。
