The G60 Model
The G60 Model
aggressive, timely and coordinated
The G60 trauma patient will have worse outcomes when compared to a younger individual with the same injury severity score with similar mechanisms of injury. Diminished respiratory reserve may diminish the geriatric patient’s ability to adequately compensate for thoracic injuries. A medical team which specializes in early identification and treatment of traumatic injuries can reduce mortality and disability in this patient population.
Care must be aggressive, timely and coordinated across multiple disciplines. Examples of aggressive care include:
Multi-modal pain strategies
Pain blocks (hip, epidurals)
Rib fracture repair - Muscle sparing minimally invasive operative rib fixation (MSMIT)
Timely surgical intervention within 24 hours of injury
We believe the basis of a strong G60 program is through a multi-disciplinary approach. To ensure consistency, our G60 team rounds are every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Our goal is to interact with the patient and or family members, review goals of care, the patient’s progress and begin the discharge process. We strive for consistency to ensure each member of them feels their input valued and the patient and family can plan their activities around a designated time and day. A concise report is necessary to ensure each patient is seen within the hour. Any dressing changes, treatments, or in depth discussions are deferred to end of rounds which places value on every team member’s time and ensures patient and family questions are adequately addressed.
Care and rounds are led by the Trauma Surgeon team
Internists are consulted as needed ensure chronic disease issues are addressed
Pharmacist involvement are involved to ensure medication coordination
Case Management/Social Services are available to assist with insurance requirements and post-acute care planning
Nursing
Respiratory assists with pulmonary needs/concerns
Gerontologist is asked to participate especially if delirium or polypharmacy concerns are present
Physical, occupational and speech therapy add valuable input on physical and cognitive needs
Education & Program Development
Our G60 team can provide an individualized assessment of your facility’s program and offer tools and recommendations to assist in program development. The benefits of a program which focuses on the care of the older adult:
Demonstrates to patients and families the benefits of a choosing a facility that has a dedicated program, such as G60, which individualizes care specific to the needs of this population of older adults
Encourages professionals and facilities to create programs specifically to the needs of the older adult with traumatic injuries
Creates a “one stop” resource for guidelines and protocols specific to the care of the G60 patient
Our G60 team can provide an individualized assessment of your facility’s program and offer tools and recommendations to assist in program development.
Research
On-going research programs, such as G60::
Utilize evidence-based strategies to guide care
Assess outcomes through data analysis
Demonstrate leadership in care modalities through peer-reviewed publications