FAYETTEVILLE – Jan. 22, 2021 – Cape Fear Valley Medical Center is being acknowledged for taking senior emergency care to the next level.
The medical center’s Emergency Department (ED) is now accredited as a Level-3 Geriatric Emergency Department by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP).
The geriatric emergency department concept was developed by leaders in emergency medicine to ensure older patients receive well-coordinated, quality care at the appropriate level at every emergency department stage.
ACEP began accrediting geriatric emergency departments in 2018. To date, accreditation has been granted to fewer than 150 hospitals nationwide.
Having a geriatric ED does not mean creating a separate space for older patients, but rather employing specific treatment processes for seniors. They include screening for geriatric syndromes, employing structural enhancements (such as appropriate beds and dimmed lights), specific provider and nurse education, and community resources to facilitate care for older adults.
Geriatric emergency department accreditation is provided at three levels. Level 1 is the most comprehensive designation. Most Geriatric EDs are level 3.