Summary
The 11.5 million people aged 65 and older is the fastest growing age group in the UK They comprise 18% of the population today, and this figure is projected to rise to 25% of the population by 2040. According to the Trauma Audit Research Network (TARN), major trauma patients in England and Wales increasingly involve the elderly, with falls being a main cause of severe injury.
The London Major Trauma System has published clinical guidance on the management of elderly major trauma patients. This covers the needs of injured elderly patients admitted to major trauma centres (MTCs) and trauma units (TUs).
The main section headings comprise:
- Clinical guidance for care of elderly trauma patients.
- Admission policy for elderly trauma patients (MTCs).
- Admission policy for elderly trauma patients (TUs).
- Neurotrauma.
- Spinal injuries.
- Pelvic injuries.
- Complex limb injuries.
- Chest injuries.
- Anticoagulation / reversal of the DOAC effect.
- Falls prevention.
- Key principles for the early management of elderly trauma.
- Psychosocial elements.
- Commissioning guidance for care of elderly trauma patients.
- Clinical commissioning standards.
Reference
Management of elderly major trauma patients. London: London Major Trauma System, 2017.
Possibly of interest:
Reference
We must help our NHS adapt in order to keep it healthy – Professor Keith Willett. [Online]: NHS England, February 14th 2017.
Background information for context:
Reference
Kehoe, A. Smith, JE. [and] Edwards, A. [et al] (2015). The changing face of major trauma in the UK. Emergency Medicine Journal. December 2015; 32(12): 911-5.
