
%0 Journal Article
%A Basic, David 
%A Conforti, David 
%A Rowland, Jeffrey 
%T Standardised assessment of older patients by a nurse in an emergency department
%J Australian Health Review
%D 2002/08/01
%V 25
%N 4
%P 50-58
%K 
%R https://doi.org/10.1071/AH020050
%U https://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/AH020050 
%X The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of a nurse practitioner in geriatrics, working in the emergency department of a tertiary referral hospital, to assess high-risk elderly patients comprehensively. A secondary aim was to explore patient characteristics associated with referral to community aged care services. Of 469 patients assessed by the nurse, 327 (70%) were admitted to the hospital. A comprehensive set of data was obtained for 334 (71%) patients. For 142 patients not admitted, 163 new referrals were made, mostly to the Aged Care Assessment Team. Those referred were more likely to be living alone and non-English speaking. They were also less satisfied with the support they received from family and friends. A single nurse working in a busy emergency department can successfully identify patients with increased care needs, and direct high-risk patients to existing services. 
