Trauma in the geriatric population

Abstract

Injury in older adults is a looming public health crisis. This article provides a broad overview of geriatric trauma across the continuum of care. After a review of the epidemiology of geriatric trauma, optimal approaches to patient care are presented for triage and transport, trauma team activation and initial assessment, inpatient management, and injury prevention. Special emphasis is given to assessment of frailty, advanced care planning, and transitions of care.

Keywords: Advanced care planning; Epidemiology; Evidence-based management; Frailty; Geriatric trauma; Injured older adults; Injury prevention.