Table 2:

Elements to consider when choosing a Geriatric ED model of care.

	GED Unit	Geriatrics Practitioner Model	Geriatrics Champion	Geriatric-Focused Observation Unit Program
Additional staff required:	• Geriatrics Practitioner • Case Manager • Pharmacy support • Physical therapists • Social worker	• Geriatrics Practitioner • Case Manager • Pharmacy support • Physical therapists • Social worker	• Case Manager • Pharmacy support • Physical therapists • Social worker	• Inpatient Geriatrics consult service • Case Manager • Pharmacy support • Inpatient Physical Therapists • Social worker
Initial training costs:	• Geriatrics training for unit nurses and providers	• Geriatrics training for all ED nurses and providers • Geriatrics training for practitioner	• Geriatrics training for all ED nurses and providers	• Geriatrics training for all ED nurses and providers
Physical space restraints	Yes	No	No	No
Effect on ED length of stay	unknown	increased	unknown	none or decreased
Effect on hospitalization rates	decreased21, 22	decreased26, 29, 54	unknown40	decreased42– 44

^*Geriatrics Practitioner is a dedicated staff member without other clinical duties who assesses older adults in the ED. Most commonly a nurse or nurse practitioner, but can also be a Geriatrician embedded in the ED.