Discussion of: "Impact of geriatric consultations on clinical outcomes of elderly trauma patients: A retrospective analysis"

Introduction: The elderly account for a large proportion of morbidity and mortality secondary to trauma, despite lower-energy mechanisms of injury and fewer trauma admissions. The benefit of geriatric trauma consultation services (GTCS) to this population remains unclear. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of a GTCS, which was established in January 2015. Patients over 60 admitted to the trauma service from January of 2014 to February 2016 were eligible. Results: There were no significant differences in 30-day and in-hospital mortalities, mean ICU and total lengths of stay, or complication rates. However, if a single complication was experienced, post-GTCS patients were nearly three times more likely to experience multiple complications. More patients in the GTCS group were discharged home, but were readmitted four times more often. Conclusions: A mandatory GTCS was not associated with improved patient outcomes, suggesting that management exclusively by the trauma team is at least equally effective in treatment of geriatric trauma. (c) 2017 Published by Elsevier Inc.