Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Teknik Rapor, ss.1-11, 2020
This White Paper is the product of the Geriatric Emergency Medicine Special Interest Group
(GEMSIG) of the International Federation of Emergency Medicine (IFEM). It highlights that
older people are the fastest growing demographic in most countries; that they access
emergency services for many different reasons; and that it is essential to consider their multiple
needs when developing emergency care systems. Addressing the needs of the whole person,
even at times of acute illness or injury, offers a great opportunity to improve older people’s
lives. This paper provides guidance to health care systems by stating general principles and
giving practical examples that can be modified across all income and resource settings.
Excellent health care for older people during acute episodes of illness or injury is important
for the well-being of individuals and the economic viability of societies. To ensure that the care
needs of older people are met effectively and appropriately, Emergency Departments (EDs)
and health care systems must address their multiple needs and those of the communities in
which they live. Older ED patients are different from younger adults not only anatomically and
physiologically, but also in terms of mechanisms of injury, presentation of symptoms, function,
cognitive changes, social needs, goals of care, complexity, and heterogeneity. Successful care
of older patients requires more than episodic care of illness and injury. It also requires attention
to their social, psychological, functional needs, and to effective transitions across the health
care system.
Experience in many settings demonstrates that simple changes in the approach to care of older
people in the ED can have a profound impact on outcomes. However, it requires deliberate
clinical and infrastructure changes. IFEM member organizations are encouraged to use this
White Paper to influence local and national decision makers.