Efficiency gains from a standardised approach to older people presenting to the emergency department after a fall.

ConclusionA systematic approach to falls in older patients attending the ED is feasible and beneficial. Decreased hospital stay and improved rates of effective discharge from ED back to the community are achievable and sustainable.What is known about the topic?Falls are common, serious and costly. Not identifying and managing falls risk factors is a common feature of ED practice. As a result, admission rates to hospital for patients who fall are high.What does this paper add?In this large study we have shown that a systematic approach to falls assessment is feasible, sustainable and results in higher discharge rates from the ED.What are the implications for practitioners?EDs are the gateway to a hospital bed. It is possible to redesign ED flow and bring front-loaded multidisciplinary geriatric care into an ED short stay environment, to the benefit of patients and health systems. PMID: 32600521 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Australian Health Review - Category: Hospital Management Authors: Tags: Aust Health Rev Source Type: research