Emergency department visits by older adults in India: a comprehensive review

Penagaluru Pranay Krishna; Rupa Lakshmi Harshavardhan; Shehnaz Sultana

doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20251672

Authors

Penagaluru Pranay Krishna Department of Emergency Medicine, Alluri Sitarama Raju Academy of Medical Sciences, Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, India
Rupa Lakshmi Harshavardhan Department of Psychiatry, Alluri Sitarama Raju Academy of Medical Sciences, Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, India
Shehnaz Sultana Department of Genetics, Bhagwan Mahavir Medical Research Centre, AC Guards, Masab Tank, Hyderabad, Telangana, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20251672

Keywords:

Emergency department, Geriatric care, Multimorbidity, ED overcrowding, Primary healthcare

Abstract

India's aging population is rapidly growing, necessitating urgent attention to the healthcare needs of older adults (≥60 years). Emergency departments (EDs) often serve as the primary access point for acute care, accommodating both critical emergencies and preventable, non-urgent visits. This comprehensive review examines the contributing factors to ED utilization by older adults in India, highlighting acute exacerbations of chronic illnesses, gaps in outpatient services, and social determinants of health. It also explores systemic challenges, including ED overcrowding and the lack of geriatric-specific services, and draws insights from international studies to contextualize these issues. Recommendations include strengthening primary care, leveraging telemedicine, establishing geriatric emergency departments (GEDs), and implementing policy reforms to optimize healthcare delivery for older adults. Addressing these challenges can improve healthcare outcomes, alleviate ED overcrowding, and ensure age-sensitive care for India’s growing elderly population.

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