Examining the Geriatric Emergency Department Model of Care through a Sociological Lense

• In Event: 349 - Section on Aging and the Life Course Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 08. Health Services

Abstract

Since 2008 over 50 hospitals nationwide have opened dedicated “geriatric emergency departments” in response to the rapidly increasing older adult population and their unique medical and social needs in the emergency department setting. This paper examines this fluid and emerging model of care and its brief history, development, organization, staffing, environment, and policy and procedure modifications. As a new model of organizing emergency care, the model has a host of implications for the emergency department workforce, education and training, employee satisfaction, patient outcomes, cost, and patient satisfaction among other issues. Using a sociological lense, the paper concludes by articulating key research questions and outcomes associated with the geriatric emergency medicine model.

Authors

• John G. Schumacher, University of Maryland-Baltimore County

• Phil Magidson, University of Maryland

• Elizabeth Couser, University of Maryland

• Jon Mark Hirshon, University of Maryland