Geriatric Trauma Committee

Committee Chair
Katherine Bendickson, BSN, RN

In the United States, trauma ranks as the fifth leading cause of death among elderly patients, making it a critical area of concern in the healthcare system. This issue is particularly pronounced in individuals aged 65 and older, where trauma significantly contributes to mortality rates. As the geriatric population continues to grow, trauma centers across the country are recognizing the urgent need to refine their care delivery models to better serve this unique demographic.

To address these challenges, the Society of Trauma Nurses has partnered with the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing to develop comprehensive resources aimed at enhancing the care provided to older adults experiencing trauma. This collaboration is made possible through a generous grant awarded to the Society of Trauma Nurses by the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing at New York University College of Nursing. This initiative is part of a broader effort known as REASN (Resourcefully Enhancing Aging in Specialty Nursing), which focuses on improving nursing practices and patient outcomes for aging populations.

As healthcare providers prepare to meet these challenges, the resources developed through this collaboration will play a vital role in equipping clinicians with the knowledge and tools necessary to deliver optimal care to older adults facing traumatic injuries. This proactive approach not only aims to improve health outcomes but also emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique needs and complexities of geriatric trauma patients.

Guidelines

The demographic landscape is shifting dramatically. By the year 2030, all baby boomers will have reached the age of 65 or older, resulting in nearly one in five residents in the United States falling into this age category. Projections indicate that this population segment will expand to an astonishing 88.5 million individuals by 2050, more than doubling the 2008 figures of 38.7 million. Furthermore, the population aged 85 and older is expected to see even more significant growth, anticipated to rise from 5.4 million in 2008 to 19 million by 2050. These statistics, provided by the U.S. Census Bureau's 2008 National Population Projections, underscore the urgent need for tailored trauma care strategies that can meet the evolving demands of an aging society.

Care Guidelines

Senior Lifestyle & Injury Prevention Program (SLIP)
Platelet Inhibitor Reversal Pathway
Warfarin Rapid Reversal Pathway
Nurses Guideline For The Care of the Geriatric Patient Taking Anti-Coagulants Who Sustains A Traumatic Brain Injury
Geriatric Guidelines
Developing a Geriatric Trauma Program

Delirium

Summary of Delirium Clinical Practice Guideline Recommendations
Updated Beers Criteria
Clinical Practice Guidelines for Management of Delirium in Elderly (NIH)
Delirium in Older Persons: Evaluation and Management (NIH)
Prevention, Diagnosis and Management in Hospital and Long-term Care (NIH)
Delirium in Hospitalized Older Adults (NEJM)

Pain Management

Elder Abuse

Elder Abuse Management Guidelines
How to spot warning signs, get help, and report mistreatment (APA)
Spotting the Signs of Elder Abuse (NIH)
Understanding Elder Abuse (NIH)
How do I report elder abuse or abuse of an older person or senior? (HHS)
Elder Abuse Prevention (CMS)

Helpful Resources

Katherine Bendickson started her medical journey as a Spokane Volunteer Fire Fighter in her father's footsteps when she was 16. From the intense fire department her love of emergency and trauma medicine flourished. She graduated from Washington State University with a bachelor's in science and nursing and a job waiting in Anchorage, AK where her husband was stationed in the Army. After working a year on the medical surgical/stepdown unit she moved to into the Emergency Department. After many adventures and medical stories, she landed in Seattle, WA. Katherine's background includes working as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, working several trauma centers from 1-4, and caring for all ages and backgrounds in the process. Currently she is the Trauma Program Coordinator at Valley Medical Center, a Level III trauma facility near Seattle, WA. As chair of the Geriatric Committee, she hopes to bring her knowledge, passion, and drive to create the best outcomes for such a large part of the trauma population that is frequently underserved.

On her off time, she performs German Folk Dancing, volunteers with a costume/cosplay group called Costumed Characters for Causes, teaches Stop the Bleed, takes Brazilian Jui Jitsu, loves to read and spend time with her amazingly supportive two kids and husband who listen to all her gory stories.