Introduction
As practitioners dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors, particularly those with cognitive impairments, it is crucial to understand the factors leading to emergency department (ED) visits. A recent scoping review titled "Preventing emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalisations of older adults with cognitive impairment compared with the general senior population: what do we know about avoidable incidents?" provides invaluable insights into avoidable incidents and preventive measures.
Understanding Avoidable Incidents
The review identified five primary types of avoidable incidents: falls, burns, transport accidents, harm due to self-negligence, and harm due to wandering. These incidents are notably more frequent in seniors with cognitive impairments, except for transport accidents. For example, falls are a leading cause of ED visits, with cognitively impaired seniors experiencing a higher frequency and severity of falls compared to their non-impaired counterparts.
Preventive Measures: A Data-Driven Approach
Implementing preventive measures tailored to the needs of cognitively impaired seniors is essential. The review suggests multifactorial interventions involving various professionals, such as pharmacists and firefighters, to address these incidents. Key preventive strategies include:
- Falls Prevention: Home assessments and adaptations, physical exercises like balance and strength training, and medication reviews.
- Burns Prevention: Home safety evaluations, especially in high-risk areas like kitchens and bathrooms, and caregiver education on burn safety.
- Traffic Accidents: Regular cognitive and physical screenings, and promoting alternatives to driving.
- Self-Neglect and Wandering: Frequent visits by trained staff or family, and community involvement in safety plans.
Encouraging Further Research
Despite the identification of potential preventive measures, the review highlights a gap in research specifically testing these interventions in cognitively impaired populations. There is a pressing need for primary research to develop and evaluate tailored preventive measures. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this field by conducting studies that involve multidisciplinary teams to better understand and mitigate the risk factors associated with avoidable incidents.
Conclusion
By focusing on data-driven preventive measures, we can significantly reduce ED visits and improve outcomes for seniors with cognitive impairments. Practitioners play a pivotal role in implementing these strategies and advancing research to ensure safe and healthy environments for this vulnerable population.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Preventing emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalisations of older adults with cognitive impairment compared with the general senior population: what do we know about avoidable incidents? Results from a scoping review.
