Elder abuse geriatrics: describing an important new medical specialist.

Elder mistreatment, including elder abuse and neglect, is a difficult diagnosis to make and manage for most providers. To address this, two elder abuse consultation teams were developed for patients in the hospital and emergency department settings. As these teams have developed, the providers involved have obtained specialized training and experience that we believe contributes to a new field of elder abuse geriatrics, a corollary to the well-established field of child abuse pediatrics. Providers working in this field require specialized training and have a specialized scope of practice that includes forensic evaluation, evaluation of cognition and capacity, care coordination and advocacy for victims of abuse, and collaboration with protective services and law enforcement. Here we describe the training, scope of practice, ethical role, and best practices for elder mistreatment medical consultation. We hope this will serve as a starting point for this new and important medical specialty.

Emergency department and hospital-based programs responding to elder mistreatment: developing consensus about an idea whose time has come.

Elder mistreatment is common, serious, and under-recognized, with Emergency Department and hospital clinical encounters offering a potential but currently unrealized opportunity to identify and help older adults experiencing mistreatment. Interdisciplinary emergency department and hospital-based response teams represent a promising care model to address this. This manuscript describes two such teams and introduces a special issue dedicated to this work.

Strategies for dissemination of ED/hospital elder mistreatment response team model.

Interdisciplinary Emergency Department/hospital-based teams represent a promising care model to improve identification of and intervention for elder mistreatment. Two institutions, Weill Cornell Medicine/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have launched such programs and are exploring multiple strategies for effective dissemination. These strategies include: (1) program evaluation research, (2) framing as a new model of geriatric care, (3) understanding the existing incentives of health systems, EDs, and hospitals to align with them, (4) connecting to ongoing ED/hospital initiatives, (5) identifying and collaborating with communities with strong elder mistreatment response that want to integrate the ED/hospital, (6) developing and making easily accessible high-quality, comprehensive protocols and training materials, (7) offering technical assistance and support, (8) communications outreach to raise awareness, and (9) using an existing framework to inform implementation in new hospitals and health systems.

Geriatric Burn Injuries Presenting to the Emergency Department of a Major Burn Center: Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Burn injuries in geriatric patients are common and may have significant associated morbidity and mortality. Most research has focused on the care of hospitalized patients after admission to burn units. Little is known about the clinical characteristics of geriatric burn victims who present to the emergency department (ED) and their ED assessment and management. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of geriatric patients presenting to the ED with burn injuries. METHODS: We performed a comprehensive retrospective chart review on all patients 60 years and older with a burn injury presenting from January 2011 through September 2015 to a large, urban, academic ED in a hospital with a 20-bed burn center. RESULTS: A total of 459 patients 60 years and older were treated for burn injuries during the study period. Median age of burn patients was 71 years, 23.7% were 80 years and older, and 56.6% were female. The most common burn types were hot water scalds (43.6%) and flame burns (23.1%). Median burn size was 3% total body surface area (TBSA), 17.1% had burns > 10% TBSA, and 7.8% of patients had inhalation injuries. After initial evaluation, 46.4% of patients were discharged from the ED. Among patients discharged from the ED, only 1.9% were re-admitted for any reason within 30 days. Of the patients intubated in the ED, 7.1% were extubated during the first 2 days of admission, and 64.3% contracted ventilator-associated pneumonia. CONCLUSIONS: Better understanding of ED care for geriatric burn injuries may identify areas in which to improve emergency care for these vulnerable patients.

Detection of systemic immunosuppressants in autologous serum eye drops (ASED) in patients with severe chronic ocular graft versus host disease.

PURPOSE: Chronic graft versus host disease is a major consequence after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) and has great impact on patients' morbidity and mortality. Besides the skin, liver, and intestines, the eyes are most commonly affected, manifesting as severe ocular surface disease. Treatment protocols include topical steroids, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and ASED. Since these patients often receive systemic immunosuppressant therapy from their oncologists, a topical re-administration of these drugs via ASED with potentially beneficial or harmful effects is possible. The purpose of the study was to determine whether and to which extent systemic immunosuppressants are detectable in ASED. METHODS: A total of 34 samples of ASED from 16 patients with hemato-oncological malignancies after allo-SCT were collected during the manufacturing process and screened for levels of cyclosporine, mycophenolic acid, everolimus, and tacrolimus via liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The study followed the tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki and informed consent was obtained from the subjects after explanation of the nature and possible consequences of the study. RESULTS: Cyclosporine was found in 18 ASED samples in concentrations ranging from 6.5-105.0 ng/ml (32.0 ± 22.8 ng/ml, mean ± SD). The concentration range of mycophenolic acid in 19 samples was 0.04-25.0 mg/l (4.0 ± 5.4 mg/l, mean ± SD). Everolimus and tacrolimus concentrations were well below the respective limits of quantification (< 0.6 and < 0.5 ng/ml) of the established LC-MS/MS method in all samples. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that orally administered cyclosporine and mycophenolic acid for the treatment of systemic GvHD, but not everolimus and tacrolimus, are distinctly detectable in ASED in relevant concentrations. It is highly likely that these agents affect topical therapy of ocular GvHD. However, the extent of this effect needs to be evaluated in further studies.

Ocular Graft-versus-Host Disease in a Chemotherapy-Based Minor-Mismatch Mouse Model Features Corneal (Lymph-) Angiogenesis.

Ocular graft-versus-host disease (oGVHD) is a fast progressing, autoimmunological disease following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, leading to severe inflammation of the eye and destruction of the lacrimal functional unit with consecutive sight-threatening consequences. The therapeutic "window of opportunity" is narrow, and current treatment options are limited and often insufficient. To achieve new insights into the pathogenesis and to develop new therapeutic approaches, clinically relevant models of oGVHD are desirable. In this study, the ocular phenotype was described in a murine, chemotherapy-based, minor-mismatch GVHD model mimicking early-onset chronic oGVHD, with corneal epitheliopathy, inflammation of the lacrimal glands, and blepharitis. Additionally, corneal lymphangiogenesis was observed as part of oGVHD pathogenesis for the first time, thus opening up the investigation of lymphangiogenesis as a potential therapeutic and diagnostic tool.

The cornea in keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

The lacrimal functional unit (LFU) regulates tear production, composition, distribution and clearance to maintain a stable protective tear layer that is essential for maintaining corneal epithelial health. Dysfunction of the LFU, commonly referred to as dry eye, leads to increased tear osmolarity and levels of inflammatory mediators in tears that cause ocular surface epithelial disease, termed keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). Corneal changes in KCS include glycocalyx loss, barrier disruption, surface irregularity inflammatory cytokine/chemokine production, cornification and apoptosis. These can reduce visual function and the increased shear force on the corneal epithelium can stimulate nociceptors sensitized by inflammation causing irritation and pain that may precede frank clinical signs. Therapy of keratoconjunctivitis sicca should be tailored to improve tear stability, normalize tear composition, improve barrier function and minimize shear forces and damaging inflammation to improve corneal epithelial health.

Biological functions of tear film.

Tears have a vital function to protect and lubricate the ocular surface. Tear production, distribution and clearance is tightly regulated by the lacrimal functional unit (LFU) to meet ocular surface demands. The tear film consists of an aqueous-mucin layer, containing fluid and soluble factors produced by the lacrimal glands and mucin secreted by the goblet cells, that is covered by a lipid layer. The array of proteins, glycoproteins and lipids in tears function to maintain a stable, well-lubricated and smooth optical surface. Tear factors also promote wound healing, suppress inflammation, scavenge free radicals, and defend against microbial infection. Disease and dysfunction of the LFU leads to tear instability, increased evaporation, inflammation, and blurred and fluctuating vision. The function of tear components and the consequences of tear deficiency on the ocular surface are reviewed.

Inflammatory basis for dry eye disease flares.

Most patients with chronic dry eye disease (DED) have episodic flares, which can be triggered by a variety of activities and environmental stresses. These flares are typically associated with rapid exacerbation of discomfort symptoms, followed by prolonged elevation of inflammation. In an acute flare, ocular surface inflammation begins with a nonspecific innate immune response, in some cases followed by a slower but more specific adaptive immune response. At the ocular surface, epithelial cells are central to the innate immune response, and we discuss their role in DED flares alongside the other core components. Epithelial cells and other cells of the innate response (neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells) trigger flares in response to increased osmolarity, detected via pattern receptors on their cell surface. Ultimately, downstream signaling pathways activate innate and adaptive immune responses, with consequent inflammation and symptoms. In chronic DED, pathogenic T cells have infiltrated the ocular surface tissues. The established adaptive immune response is likely to lead to flare-ups at lower thresholds of stress, with inflammation maintained over a longer period. Increased understanding of the inflammatory cascades activated during a flare may guide management and improve outcomes.

Disease-Specific Expression of Conjunctiva Associated Lymphoid Tissue (CALT) in Mouse Models of Dry Eye Disease and Ocular Allergy.

Conjunctiva-associated tissue (CALT) is assumed to play a crucial role in the immune system of the ocular surface. Its function in several ocular surface diseases (OSD) is still not fully understood. This study investigates the function of CALT in mouse models of dry-eye disease and ocular allergy. Since antigen-presentation is the central similarity in the pathologies, this study focuses on antigen-presentation in CALT Morphology and the expression of CALT, which was investigated in mice after induction of dry-eye, ocular allergy, topical antigen-stimulation, and after local depletion of phagocytic cells. Antigen uptake was investigated after the application of fluorescent ovalbumin (OVA). OSD influences the appearance and morphology of CALT in a disease-dependent manner. Ocular allergy leads to an increase and dry-eye disease to a decrease in number and size of CALT. The development of CALT is dependent on the presence of APCs. Professional APCs are present in CALT, and soluble antigen is transported into the follicle. CALT appearance is disease-specific and indicative of differing functions. Although the specific involvement of CALT in OSD needs further study, the existence of functional APCS and antigen-uptake supports the hypothesis that CALT is an immunological key player at the ocular surface.

Developing the Emergency Department Elder Mistreatment Assessment Tool for Social Workers Using a Modified Delphi Technique.

Elder mistreatment is common and has serious consequences. The emergency department (ED) may provide a unique opportunity to detect this mistreatment, with social workers often asked to take the lead in assessment and intervention. Despite this, social workers may feel ill-equipped to conduct assessments for potential mistreatment, due in part to a lack of education and training. As a result, the authors created the Emergency Department Elder Mistreatment Assessment Tool for Social Workers (ED-EMATS) using a multiphase, modified Delphi technique with a national group of experts. This tool consists of both an initial and comprehensive component, with 11 and 17 items, respectively. To our knowledge, this represents the first elder abuse assessment tool for social workers designed specifically for use in the ED. The hope is that the ED-EMATS will increase the confidence of ED social workers in assessing for elder mistreatment and help ensure standardization between professionals.

Use of Physician-Guided Patient Self-Examination to Diagnose Appendicitis: A Telemedicine Case Report.

Background: Direct-to-consumer (DTC) telemedicine platforms have been increasingly implemented by large hospital systems. This care delivery mechanism shares similarities with bedside medical care, but also differs in key attributes such as the inability to perform a "hands-on" physical examination. Methods: We present a case of DTC telehealth evaluation that resulted in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. The case of one female patient presenting to our urgent care mobile application and subsequently to the emergency department (ED) is discussed. Results: Physician-guided patient self-examination of the abdomen demonstrated concordance with findings on bedside physical examination in the ED, leading to the correct diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Conclusions: For the patient presented here, physician-guided patient self-examination resulted in appropriate referral to the ED and diagnosis of appendicitis. Additional research on the reproducibility of virtual physical examination findings and potential cost savings of telemedicine visits is warranted.

Improving Quality of Care in Hospitals for Victims of Elder Mistreatment: Development of the Vulnerable Elder Protection Team.

PROBLEM DEFINITION: Hospitals have an opportunity to improve the quality of care provided to a particularly vulnerable population: victims of elder mistreatment. Despite this, no programs to prevent or stop elder abuse in the acute care hospital have been reported. An innovative, multidisciplinary emergency department (ED)-based intervention for elder abuse victims, the Vulnerable Elder Protection Team (VEPT), was developed at NewYork-Presbyterian / Weill Cornell Medical Center (New York City). APPROACH: The VEPT is a consultation service available 24 hours a day/7 days a week to improve identification, comprehensive assessment, and treatment for potential victims of elder abuse or neglect. All ED providers have been trained on how to recognize signs of elder mistreatment. Any provider can activate the VEPT via a single page/telephone call, which triggers the VEPT's often time-consuming, complex assessment of the potential mistreatment victim. First, the ED social worker on duty performs the initial bedside assessment and separately interviews the potential perpetrator and/or caregiver. He or she then contacts the on-call VEPT medical provider to discuss next steps and other team members' potential involvement. For patients admitted to the hospital, the VEPT connects with the inpatient social workers and medical team to ensure appropriate follow-up and care planning. NEXT STEPS/PLANNED EVALUATION: The VEPT program was launched in April 2017 after comprehensive training. Its impact will be measured by tracking the short-term and long-term mistreatment-related outcomes, as well as medical, mental health, functional, psychosocial, and legal outcomes of the vulnerable ED patients for whom the team provides care.

Emergency department provider perspectives on elder abuse and development of a novel ED-based multidisciplinary intervention team.

BACKGROUND: An ED visit provides a unique opportunity to identify elder abuse, which is common and has serious medical consequences. Despite this, emergency providers rarely recognise or report it. We have begun the design of an ED-based multidisciplinary consultation service to improve identification and provide comprehensive medical and forensic assessment and treatment for potential victims. METHODS: We qualitatively explored provider perspectives to inform intervention development. We conducted 15 semistructured focus groups with 101 providers, including emergency physicians, social workers, nurses, technologists, security, radiologists and psychiatrists at a large, urban academic medical centre. Focus groups were transcribed, and data were analysed to identify themes. RESULTS: Providers reported not routinely assessing for elder mistreatment and believed that they commonly missed it. They reported 10 reasons for this, including lack of knowledge or training, no time to conduct an evaluation, concern that identifying elder abuse would lead to additional work, and absence of a standardised response. Providers believed an ED-based consultation service would be frequently used and would increase identification, improve care and help ensure safety. They made 21 recommendations for a multidisciplinary team, including the importance of 24/7 availability, the value of a positive attitude in a consulting service and the importance of feedback to referring ED providers. Participants also highlighted that geriatric nurse practitioners may have ideal clinical and personal care training to contribute to the team. CONCLUSIONS: An ED-based multidisciplinary consultation service has potential to impact care for elder abuse victims. Insights from providers will inform intervention development.

Severity of Sjögren's Syndrome Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca Increases with Increased Percentage of Conjunctival Antigen-Presenting Cells.

This study investigated the relationship between clinical severity and percentage of conjunctival antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in Sjögren's syndrome (SS)-associated keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). KCS clinical severity was based on symptom severity, tear volume, tear break-up time, and ocular surface dye staining. Conjunctival goblet cell density (GCD) was measured in periodic acid Schiff (PAS)-stained membranes. Conjunctival cells obtained by impression cytology were used for flow cytometry to measure percentages of CD45⁺HLA-DR⁺ APCs and mature CD11c⁺CD86⁺ dendritic cells (DCs). Compared to normal conjunctiva, the percentages of HLA-DR⁺ and CD11c⁺CD86⁺ cells were higher in the conjunctiva of the KCS group (p < 0.05). The percentage of CD45⁺HLA-DR⁺ cells positively correlated with clinical severity (r = 0.71, p < 0.05) and negatively correlated with GCD (r = -0.61, p < 0.05). Clinical severity also negatively correlated with GCD (r = -0.54, p < 0.05). These findings indicate that a higher percentage of APCs and mature DCs in the conjunctiva is associated with more severe KCS in SS. These APCs may contribute to the generation of the pathogenic Th1 cells that cause goblet cell loss in KCS.

Study design and baseline findings from the progression of ocular findings (PROOF) natural history study of dry eye.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this research is to initiate a 5-year natural history study of dry eye disease (DED) using objectively assessed and patient-reported outcomes, to explore the hypothesis that DED is a progressive condition that has substantive and measurable impacts not only on the ocular surface, but on quality of life and visual functioning. Our objective for this report is to examine the baseline data. METHODS: A multicenter, prospective, controlled, observational study of Level 2 (mild-to-moderate) DED patients based on International Task Force Delphi Panel severity grading, and controls, documented baseline measures (including tear film biomarkers and quality of life). Tear cytokine concentrations were also measured in the tear film. Patients were using artificial tears as needed. RESULTS: Two hundred seventeen DED patients and 67 gender- and age-matched controls were enrolled. A majority were females and Caucasian and groups did not differ significantly in terms of gender, race, or age. Differences between DED and matched controls, at baseline, included mean scores for Ocular Surface Disease Index (31.7 vs 4.1, P < 0.0001), Schirmer test (5.7 vs 15.3 mm, P < 0.0001), corneal staining (1.4 vs 0.2, P < 0.0001), conjunctival staining (1.4 vs 0.3, P < 0.0001), and tear break-up time (5.7 vs 8.5 s, P < 0.0001). Tear cytokines levels were determined and included interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α, epidermal growth factor, IL-13, IL-17, IL-1α, and inducible protein-10. The mean levels of IL-8 and IL-6 were slightly higher in the DED group at baseline. Blurred vision was reported as moderate/severe/very severe at baseline in 57.6% of DED patients vs.10.5% of normal controls (P < 0.0001). DED patients reported greater reductions in work and non-work productivity, as well as greater need for visits to ophthalmologists during the prior year. CONCLUSIONS: In this report of the baseline findings of a 5-year natural history study of DED, a striking disease burden is observed with regard to blurred vision, productivity, and visits to eye care practitioners in mild to moderate DED patients compared to normal subjects of similar ages and genders. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00833235 on January 30, 2009.

Emergency Medical Services Perspectives on Identifying and Reporting Victims of Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Self-Neglect.

BACKGROUND: Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers, who perform initial assessments of ill and injured patients, often in a patient's home, are uniquely positioned to identify potential victims of elder abuse, neglect, or self-neglect. Despite this, few organized programs exist to ensure that EMS concerns are communicated to or further investigated by other health care providers, social workers, or the authorities. OBJECTIVE: To explore attitudes and self-reported practices of EMS providers surrounding identification and reporting of elder mistreatment. METHODS: Five semi-structured focus groups with 27 EMS providers. RESULTS: Participants reported believing they frequently encountered and were able to identify potential elder mistreatment victims. Many reported infrequently discussing their concerns with other health care providers or social workers and not reporting them to the authorities due to barriers: 1) lack of EMS protocols or training specific to vulnerable elders; 2) challenges in communication with emergency department providers, including social workers, who are often unavailable or not receptive; 3) time limitations; and 4) lack of follow-up when EMS providers do report concerns. Many participants reported interest in adopting protocols to assist in elder protection. Additional strategies included photographically documenting the home environment, additional training, improved direct communication with social workers, a dedicated location on existing forms or new form to document concerns, a reporting hotline, a system to provide feedback to EMS, and community paramedicine. CONCLUSIONS: EMS providers frequently identify potential victims of elder abuse, neglect, and self-neglect, but significant barriers to reporting exist. Strategies to empower EMS providers and improve reporting were identified.

Topical Fluorometholone Protects the Ocular Surface of Dry Eye Patients from Desiccating Stress: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of topical 0.1% fluorometholone in dry eye disease (DED) patients for ameliorating the worsening of the ocular surface when exposed to adverse environments. DESIGN: Single-center, double-masked, randomized, vehicle-controlled clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-one patients showing moderate to severe DED. METHODS: Patients randomly received 1 drop 4 times daily of either topical 0.1% fluorometholone (FML group) or topical polyvinyl alcohol (PA group) for 22 days. Corneal and conjunctival staining, conjunctival hyperemia, tear film breakup time (TBUT), tear osmolarity, and the Symptom Assessment in Dry Eye (SANDE) questionnaire scores were determined at baseline. Variables were reassessed on day 21 before and after undergoing a 2-hour controlled adverse environment exposure and again on day 22. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Percentage of patients showing an increase 1 point or more in corneal staining and a reduction of 2 points or more (0-10 scale) in SANDE score, after the controlled adverse environment exposure and 24 hours later. RESULTS: After 21 days of treatment, the FML group showed greater improvements in corneal and conjunctival staining, hyperemia, and TBUT than the PA group (P≤0.03). After the adverse exposure, the percentage of patients having a 1-grade or more increase in corneal staining was significantly (P = 0.03) higher in the PA group (63.1% vs. 23.8%, respectively). Additionally, the FML group showed no significant changes in corneal staining (mean, 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.47-1.25; vs. mean, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.59-1.51, for visit 2 and 3, respectively), conjunctival staining (mean, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.54-1.37 vs. mean, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.75-1.63), and hyperemia (mean, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.41-1.02 vs. 1.14; 95% CI, 0.71-1.58) after the exposure, whereas for the PA group, there was significant worsening (P≤0.009) in these variables (corneal staining: mean, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.57-2.33 vs. mean, 2.58; 95% CI, 2.17-2.98; conjunctival staining: mean, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.29-2.08 vs. mean, 2.47; 95% CI, 2.07-2.88; hyperemia: mean, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.63-2.26 vs. mean, 2.84; 95% CI, 2.62-3.07). CONCLUSIONS: Three-week topical 0.1% fluorometholone therapy is effective not only in reducing ocular surface signs in DED patients, but also especially in preventing exacerbation caused by exposure to a desiccating stress.

The ED as the primary source of hospital admission for older (but not younger) adults.

INTRODUCTION: The elderly population in the United States is growing. This age shift has important implications for emergency departments (EDs), which currently account for more than 50% of inpatient hospitalizations. Our objective was to compare the percentage of inpatient admissions starting in the ED between elderly and younger patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis using the National Hospital Discharge Survey. Source of admission to the hospital was evaluated for years 2003 to 2009. Total admissions from the ED and trends over time were analyzed for the following age groups: 22 to 64, 65 to 74, 75 to 84, and 85+ years old. Likelihood of having been admitted from the ED was evaluated with logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 1.7 million survey visits representing 216 million adult hospitalizations were analyzed. A total of 93 million (43.2%) were among patients 65 years and older. The ED was the source of admission for 57.3% of patients 65 years and older and 44.4% of patients 64 years and younger (95% confidence interval difference, 12.97%-13.00%). By 2009, more than 75% of nonelective admissions for patients 85 years and older were through the ED. There was a linear relationship between age and the ED as the source of admission, the odds increasing by 2.9% per year (95% confidence interval, 1.029-1.029) for each year beyond age 65 years. CONCLUSION: Emergency departments are increasingly used as the gateway for hospital admission for older adults. An aging US population may increase the effect of this trend, a prospect that should be planned for. From the patient perspective, barriers to care contributing to the age-based discrepancy in the use of the ED as source of admission should be investigated.

Trends in short-stay hospitalizations for older adults from 1990 to 2010: implications for geriatric emergency care.

INTRODUCTION: Geriatric patients are more likely than younger patients to be admitted to the hospital when they present to the emergency department (ED). Identifying trends in geriatric short-stay admission may inform the development of interventions designed to improve acute care for the elderly. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate trends in US geriatric short-stay hospitalizations from 1990 to 2010. METHODS: Retrospective study using the National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS). Trends in short-stay hospitalizations were analyzed from 1990 to 2010 for age groups 22 to 64, 65 to 74, 75 to 84, and at least 85 years using linear regression. RESULTS: A total of 4.5 million survey visits representing 580 million adult hospitalizations were available for analysis; 250 million (43%) were among patients 65 years or older. Of these, 12%, 25%, and 40% were ≤ 1, ≤ 2 and ≤ 3 days' short-stay admissions, respectively. Between 1990 and 2010, short-stay admissions increased as a percentage of total hospitalizations for each geriatric age group but remained relatively constant for younger adults. Admissions from NHDS were similar to admissions from the ED for years where ED-specific data were available. The older a patient was (age >65 years), the more likely their admission was to have started in the ED. DISCUSSION: For all elderly patients, short-stay admissions represented a growing proportion of total admissions, regardless of the definition of short stay. These trends were identified despite the NHDS exclusion of observation status hospitalizations. The increase in short-stay admissions was the most pronounced in the extreme elderly (age ≥ 85 years). Future research is needed to optimize treatment for geriatric patients presenting to the ED, some of whom, with brief observation and appropriate follow-up, may be better cared for without hospitalization.