Abstract

Background: Collaboration between the government and healthcare professional organizations demonstrated promising results for developing geriatric emergency departments (GEDs) in Taiwan. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a continuous promotion model for GEDs.

Methods: The Taiwan Health Promotion Administration collaborated with the Taiwan Society of Emergency Medicine, nine hospitals, and other healthcare professionals to promote GED continuously. We adopted the nine-steps continuous promotion model from June 2, 2022, to December 31, 2022. Key strategies included forming an expert committee, setting goals, providing practical resources, and conducting interdisciplinary training and conferences.

Results: Significant improvementswere observed in seven domains of the GED across nine hospitals, including interdisciplinary teams, education, equipment, environment, care protocols, quality indicators and monitor indicators. Nineteen care protocols were adopted, which included 216,860 eligible patients and successful transitional care in 49,143 patients. Nearly 100% of 176 participants in district co-academic conferences found them beneficial. Future goals were also established, and the Taiwan GED practical manual was revised.

Conclusions: This model demonstrated encouraging outcomes in promoting GED in Taiwan, which could be an essential reference for other nations.