Older Adults Research in Acute Care – Breaking the Barriers

Abstract

Population-based growth has familiarized health care providers with the special needs of older patients. We know the elderly, those 65 years or older, represent 13.7% of the U.S. population, with a projected rise to 19% by 2030 (Administration on Aging, 2013). Yet, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health indicates that only 3%-6% of clinical trials are specific to the older adult aged population (Orwig, Williams, & Martin, 2011). Older adult patients in acute care hospitals (ACH) are known to have multiple comorbidities that include respiratory ailments, cardiac diseases, falls, cognitive impairments, and depression (Formiga et al., 2012; CDC, 2014). Studies have demonstrated that comorbid conditions increase with age (Formiga et al., 2012; Barnett et al., 2012).