Results of a national survey of Australian nurses' practice caring for older people in an emergency department

Abstract

In this study, the Older Person in Acute Care survey has identified that, overall, emergency departments nurses have positive clinical practices towards their older patients in the emergency departments. The implications for clinical practice are significant as patient centred care in the Australian emergency departments will reduce adverse events for the older patient.

Elderly care in the emergency department: an integrative review

“…Although training and skills in emergency care allow nurses to quickly recognize a critical illness, they may have difficulty detecting a problem in elderly patients because of the complexity of some chronic conditions 8,12 .…”

“…While nurses are competent at providing emergency care, they may exhibit limitations when addressing the complex needs of the elderly 8 .…”

“…In this way, the environment can result in stress for the elderly and cause episodes of confusion due to its fast pace 8 .…”

“…However, this model is inconsistent with the management of care for elderly persons with chronic and complex conditions, which requires health services based on health care models that encompass their biopsychosocial needs 8 .…”

“…A study of nurses from an emergency department in Australia in 2016 revealed that, even though there was no specific evaluation of elderly persons, such professionals identified their main care-related problems as being adequate pain control, hygiene, psychosocial care and the maintenance of the patient's independence 8 .…”