Avoiding and navigating the emergency department. 5 Weeks • 5 Professors • 5 Lessons • 5 Minutes a day Course: Healthy Aging • Lesson #2 of 5 Emergency departments are an important part of our health care system. They offer effective high technology care when we have urgent health issues. It is important to have access to emergency medical services, but use of the emergency department also presents some risks. Many older adults have multiple conditions, multiple medications, and potential cognitive and physical problems that require a comprehensive and holistic approach to care. Emergency departments are often too busy and fast-paced to provide that kind of high-quality care for older adults. Many studies find that older adults have worse outcomes within the emergency department and when they leave compared to younger people.

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