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Effects of a Geriatric Emergency Department Multidisciplinary Intervention on Functional Status and Quality of Life: A Pre/Post Cohort Study

Southerland LT, Stephens JA, Hunold KM, Carpenter CR, Mion LC, Krupinski L, Reider CR, Caterino JM

Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, 2026

230 participants · 1 citation

Abstract

Background: Geriatric screening and multidisciplinary assessment of older adults in the Emergency Department (ED) decrease hospitalizations and ED revisits. The impact on patient-reported outcomes of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and functional status is not known.

Methods: A hybrid type II implementation/effectiveness prospective cohort study was conducted in an academic ED. The intervention bundle was geriatric screening for delirium, fall risk, and transition of care needs, and multidisciplinary assessment. All older adults (≥ 65 years) placed in the ED observation unit were eligible. HRQoL and functional status were obtained at the ED visit, 30, and 90 days, and were compared between the pre- and post-intervention implementation cohorts. Secondary outcomes included ED revisits, falls, mortality, and intervention adoption measures.

Results: From 2019 to 2023, 368 adults participated in the study: Most were community-dwelling (97%) and had multiple comorbidities. The pre (n = 138) and post (n = 230) cohorts did not differ in baseline functional status or HRQoL. The rate of geriatric screening improved from 12.3% in the pre-implementation cohort to 91.3% in the post-implementation cohort (p < 0.01). Multispecialty consultation also increased (68.1%-91.3%, p < 0.01). The proportion who had a post-ED visit decline in functional status did not differ between cohorts. Physical HRQoL declined similarly in both cohorts (-0.73 vs. -0.33, p = 0.61) at 90 days. Mental HRQoL…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a clinical trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 230 participants or records.

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