Access of elderly patients in the emergency department: demographic evolution and ethical perspectives
Carron, P.N.; Hugli, O.W.; Schreyer, N.; Yersin, B.
Revue Medicale Suisse 2(75): 1840-1843
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 1660-9379 PMID: 16948419 Document Number: 595419
Due to actual demographic evolution, emergency departments have to face a dramatic increase in admissions of elderly people. The peculiar medical and socio-demographic characteristics of these old patients emphasize the need of specific decision processes and resources allocation. An individual-based approach, related to significant ethical values, should allow better diagnostic and therapeutic attitudes. Such a way to admit, evaluate and treat older patients implies an active collaboration with patients and their relatives, but also with all medical interveners, including in particular primary care physicians.