Determinants of emergency medical services utilization among older adults: a comprehensive scoping review.
Geriatric nursing (New York, N.Y.) · 2025-01-01 · Scoping review
Abstract
The global phenomenon of population aging, characterized by an increasing number of older adults, presents significant challenges for healthcare systems. Age-related health issues such as rising comorbidity rates, polypharmacy, and cognitive and mental disorders place a growing burden on emergency healthcare services. Older adults, who are among the most frequent users of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), require specialized care and tailored interventions during emergencies. This scoping review aims to synthesize and summarize the current literature on the key factors influencing EMS utilization by older adults. A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, and Google Scholar databases from January 2014 to July 2024, using the keywords "elderly people," "emergency medical services," "prehospital care," and "emergency call" with "AND" and "OR" operators. Out of 92 articles identified, 44 were selected for inclusion after thorough evaluation. The reviewed articles were classified into five primary themes: (1) studies on geriatric emergencies, (2) epidemiological studies, (3) research examining emergencies in residential elderly care services, (4) studies focused on EMS optimization, and (5) technological studies. The current body of literature predominantly addresses emergency health concerns specific to aging, emphasizing the need for improved EMS efficiency and system optimization for older adults. Technological innovations hold significant potential for enhancing EMS service delivery and system optimization. However, further research is required to foster collaboration among elderly people, caregivers, EMS professionals, and other stakeholders, while also considering the evolving healthcare policies and the unique needs of older adults.