• Alyse Lennox, Sandra Braaf, Smit De Villiers V Emergency and Trauma Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia., Peter Cameron, and Judy A Lowthian.
• School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
• Emerg Med Australas. 2019 Feb 1; 31 (1): 83-89.

ObjectiveTo explore health professionals' perspectives about caring for community-dwelling older patients in the ED.MethodsThis exploratory qualitative study was undertaken with emergency nursing, medical and allied health staff from the ED of a large metropolitan public hospital in Melbourne. Nine focus groups (n = 54) and seven interviews were conducted between 2013 and 2014. Data were thematically analysed.ResultsHealth professionals described tailoring their approach when caring for older patients, including adopting a specific communication approach (i.e. increased voice volume, slower rate of speech). Caring for older patients was perceived as challenging given the need to balance the expectations of family members to deal with associated complex needs and limited time for transitional care planning in the ED. The environment and equipment were perceived as unsuitable, alongside a lack of geriatric-specific knowledge; contributing to what health professionals described as a poor fit between the ED system and older patients' needs.ConclusionThe growing number of older patients presents numerous challenges for emergency health professionals and necessitates a tailored approach to care. Understanding health professionals' perspectives about caring for older patients can inform strategies that may improve the quality of care. Creating older person-friendly areas, improving transitional care and providing staff with specific education would foster an environment that promotes person-centred care, safety, independence and functional wellbeing.© 2018 Australasian College for Emergency Medicine and Australasian Society for Emergency Medicine.

25 keywords...

hide…