A survey on the availability of geriatric-friendly protocols, equipment and physical environment across emergency departments in Flanders, Belgium.

Background: The acquisition of geriatric-friendly resources is an important part of adapting emergency department (ED) care to the needs of vulnerable older patients. The aim of this study was to explore the availability of geriatric-friendly protocols, equipment and physical environment criteria in EDs and to identify related improvement opportunities.

Methods: The head nurse of 63 EDs in Flanders and Brussels Capital Region was invited to complete a survey in collaboration with the chief physician of the ED.