The ACS has released a new and comprehensive set of guidelines designed to optimize trauma care for older adults in recognition of the unique challenges and increasing incidence of trauma in the geriatric population.
Older adults currently make up 16% of the US population—a percentage that is projected to grow to more than 20% by 2040. The ACS has responded to the urgent need for specialized trauma care practices for this demographic. In addition to being a leading cause of death for older adults, unintentional injuries also lead to poorer outcomes compared to younger individuals, with age being an independent risk factor for mortality.
The new guidelines, Best Practices Guidelines in Geriatric Trauma Management, aim to address critical aspects of care for injured older adults (aged 65 years and older) who present unique vulnerabilities such as diminished strength and endurance and unreliable vital sign measures.
“The population we care for in trauma centers has changed significantly over the past decade, with a greater proportion of older patients,” said Avery Nathens, MD, PhD, FACS, Medical Director of Trauma Quality Programs. “These guidelines, in concert with our new standards on geriatric trauma, recognize the unique needs of older trauma patients and will improve the quality of trauma care so that patients have the best chance of getting back to their activities at home with their friends and families.”
Key points from the guidelines include:
- Falls Prevention: Falls remain the leading cause of both non-fatal and fatal injuries in older adults. The guidelines emphasize the need for fall prevention strategies as a cornerstone of geriatric trauma care.
- Tailored Criteria: The type of injury sustained, and vital signs may not always accurately help trauma departments triage older adult patients. The ACS recommends specific geriatric criteria to better support and more accurately prioritize patient care in the geriatric population.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Calling for an interdisciplinary approach from the emergency department onwards, the guidelines advocate for comprehensive care considering the geriatric spectrum of needs.
- Emphasis on Gentle Care: A recommendation for a slow, gentle approach to treatment is emphasized, considering the potential confusion caused by removing visual and auditory aids during care.
The ACS’s new guidance document is grounded in the latest research and expert consensus. See more trauma-related best practices guidelines.
