Overview
This study evaluates the Geriatric Emergency Department Innovations (GEDI) program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital to care for older adults in the emergency department. Half of the patients will be cared for by a standard ED team plus the GEDI team, while half of the patients will receive usual ED care.
Description
Hospitalization is common for older adults in the Emergency Department (ED) but it carries significant risks including the development of delirium, falls, and nosocomial infections. The Geriatric Emergency Department Innovations (GEDI) program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital attempts to identify and address health related risks for older adults without exposing them to the risks of hospitalization,. GEDI is a unique program consisting of a multidisciplinary team of Transitional Care Nurses (TCN), social workers, pharmacists, occupational therapists and physical therapists who perform ED-based geriatric assessment and care coordination.
To determine the impact of GEDI on health services use and Health Related Quality-of-Life (HRQoL) we will conduct a randomized controlled trial comparing GEDI compared to usual ED care(which often involves hospitalization).
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
Northwestern Emergency Department patients who are:
- 65 years or older
- living independently or with friends, family, or caregivers in the community
- Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) score of 4 or greater
Exclusion Criteria:
Patients will be excluded if they:
- Tested positive for COVID-19
- Are unable to complete the assessments in English
- Are unable to provide informed consent with no Legally Authorized Representative Present or are unable to complete follow-up participation
- Are held in the ED involuntarily as a prisoner or patient with a psychiatric complaint
- Are enrolled in another study to avoid patient fatigue and confounding
- Received a GEDI, Social Work, Pharmacy, or Physical Therapy consult outside of this trial during the current ED visit
- Leave the ED against medical advice or without being seen by a physician
- Are admitted to the ICU
- Are too medically unstable to participate in the assessment