Delta Alert: Expanding Gerotrauma Criteria to Improve Patient Outcomes: A 2-Year Study.

Background/significance: Because of their decreased physical reserve and increased risk of complications, the geriatric trauma patient (GTP) population warrants heightened awareness by clinical staff.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine whether the institution of a third-tier trauma protocol results in a change in GTP outcomes, complications, and mortality rates.

Methods: Researchers conducted a retrospective review of 2 years of data from the trauma registry, hospital quality improvement audits, and patient charts to examine what, if any, patient outcomes were impacted by the institution of the expanded GTP protocol.

Delta Alerts: Changing Outcomes in Geriatric Trauma.

Geriatric trauma patients (GTPs) suffering minor injuries have suboptimal outcomes compared with younger populations. Patients 65 years or older account for 10% of all traumas but 28% of all trauma deaths. This trauma center established a third tier trauma alert specifically targeting GTPs at risk for poor outcomes.