Banner-UMC Tucson's ER is Geriatric Accredited, Provides Targeted Care for Seniors

Banner-University Medical Center Tucson recently received geriatric emergency department accreditation from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), reports the Arizona Daily Star . Banner-UMC Tucson was awarded a Level 3 Bronze accreditation by identifying a healthcare team that specializes in geriatric care. Team leader David Horn said the team will review traditional drugs prescribed by emergency room (ER) doctors, and "see if any of those medications can be replaced with other medications that would be safe for older adults." The data will be presented to ER physicians and nurses on a quarterly basis. Horn said the object is for doctors to change their drug-prescribing habits by showing them the "best evidence we have for medications used in older adults." Banner's ER is the only one in Tucson with geriatric emergency department accreditation. ACEP estimates there are 130 ERs with geriatric accreditation across the country.