Freeman M, Zack E
Perspectives. 1996 Fall;20(3):8-11.
The "geriatric triage" approach for management of the most complex frail older adult population by geriatric nurses in the emergency department setting was a benefit to the patient/family and the health care system. The patients, through assessment and individualized plans of care, received the right care in the right setting. Seniors were assessed and their care planned by health care professionals who had geriatric knowledge, understood the complexity of their problems, and acted as their advocate. Geriatric triaging resulted in benefits across the health care system. Resources were used effectively. Patients received care in the most appropriate and cost-efficient setting. This new and creative approach served as a catalyst for improvement in services and care for the senior population. Health care workers in the hospitals as well as the community increased their knowledge of geriatrics through consultation with this service. The community and hospitals had a formal linkage, which provided an opportunity for collaboration and continuity of care. The hospital system experienced decreased competition for scarce acute care beds due to diverted admissions. The emergency department had consultants to assist with the decision-making for this high-risk population and decreased the number of patients held in emergency department awaiting an inpatient bed. The community system received patients with a comprehensive plan of care that provided creative and innovative care management strategies. Home care adapted its service to respond with immediate services to assist with health crises in addition to what had been traditionally available. The finding of this study supports a new approach to care of the elderly and chronically ill population who present to the emergency department in health crisis. Creative strategies are required to meet the needs of the aging population in these times of fiscal restraint. The nursing geriatric triage service is one strategy that holds merit.
急诊科的老年护士采用“老年分诊”方法管理最复杂的体弱老年人群体，这对患者/家属和医疗保健系统都有益处。通过评估和个性化护理计划，患者在合适的环境中得到了恰当的护理。老年人由具备老年医学知识、理解其问题复杂性并为其代言的医疗保健专业人员进行评估并制定护理计划。老年分诊给整个医疗保健系统带来了益处。资源得到了有效利用。患者在最合适且成本效益最高的环境中接受护理。这种新颖且富有创意的方法成为了改善老年人群体服务和护理的催化剂。医院以及社区的医护人员通过与这项服务的咨询，增加了他们的老年医学知识。社区和医院建立了正式联系，为协作和护理连续性提供了机会。由于分流了入院患者，医院系统对稀缺急症护理床位的竞争减少。急诊科有顾问协助为这一高风险人群进行决策，减少了在急诊科等待住院床位的患者数量。社区系统接收了带着全面护理计划的患者，该计划提供了富有创意和创新性的护理管理策略。家庭护理调整了其服务，除了传统服务外，还提供即时服务以应对健康危机。本研究的结果支持一种针对在健康危机中前往急诊科的老年人和慢性病患者的新护理方法。在财政紧缩时期，需要有创造性的策略来满足老年人群体的需求。老年护理分诊服务就是一项有价值的策略。
