
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Basic, David 
A1  - Conforti, David 
A1  - Rowland, Jeffrey 
T1  - Standardised assessment of older patients by a nurse in an emergency department
JF  - Australian Health Review
JO  - Aust. Health Review
Y1  - 2002
VL  - 25
IS  - 4
SP  - 50
EP  - 58
KW  - 
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1071/AH020050 
N2  - 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. 
ER  -

