A Comprehensive Review of Emergency Care Strategies for Elderly Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Addressing the Challenges of an Aging Population

Abstract

Background: The increasing prevalence of elderly patients with multiple comorbidities presents significant challenges for emergency departments (EDs) worldwide. As the aging population grows, with projections indicating that one in six individuals will be 65 years or older by 2050, the demand for tailored emergency care strategies becomes imperative. Elderly patients often experience prolonged ED visits, increased hospital admissions, and adverse outcomes, necessitating a reevaluation of current practices.

Methods: This systematic review synthesized existing literature on emergency care interventions designed specifically for older adults with multiple comorbidities. A comprehensive search was conducted across four academic databases—CINAHL, Embase, Medline, and Scopus—covering studies published until 2023. The review focused on interventions that enhance health outcomes, patient experiences, staff experiences, and system performance within the emergency care context.

Results: The findings revealed a variety of successful interventions, including tailored trauma protocols and multidisciplinary care pathways, which significantly improved patient outcomes, reduced lengths of stay, and decreased complication rates. However, many interventions did not consistently address the broader dimensions of value-based healthcare, particularly regarding patient and staff experiences. Notably, the implementation of specific geriatric trauma teams and enhanced pain management strategies demonstrated promising results in both clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Conclusion: This review underscores the need for emergency departments to adopt integrated, value-based care models that prioritize the unique needs of elderly patients with multiple comorbidities. Future interventions should focus on enhancing both patient and provider experiences while ensuring efficient system performance. By aligning emergency care strategies with the complexities of aging populations, healthcare systems can improve outcomes and reduce the burden on emergency services.