The Impact of Geriatric-Specific Triage Tools among Older Adults in the Emergency Department

As the aging population grows, emergency department (ED) service utilization among those 65 years and older is expected to rise. In 2017, it was estimated that approximately 49 million Americans were 65 years and older. Not surprisingly, the number of ED visits by older adults is also increasing, given that this population is more likely to have multiple comorbidities. Emergency department visits by older adults pose specific challenges in risk stratification and optimizing their care based on the use of geriatric-specific triage tools. The aim of this integrative review is to appraise the impact of geriatric-specific triage tolls used in the ED and offer meaningful discussion on how to best address older adults in the ED setting. Findings from this review will help inform the efforts of clinicians, educators, researchers, and public health policy stakeholders charged in the care and advocacy for vulnerable older adults.