SynthesisSingapore medical journal2026
Outcomes of emergency department observation units for geriatric assessment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Synthesis in Singapore medical journal, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Navigating the demographic tipping point: the past, present and future of Geriatric Emergency Medicine in Singapore.Singapore medical journal · 2026Article
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
introductionAgeing populations present challenges for emergency departments (EDs), including rising ED attendances among older adults. Geriatric-centred ED observation units (Geri-EDOUs) provide a means of conducting comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) with a view to reduce or shorten acute hospitalisations. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to summarise such interventions and evaluate their outcomes.
methodsSeven databases were searched for relevant articles from their dates of inception to 16 December 2024. Articles describing the implementation of Geri-EDOUs with CGA for managing older patients aged 65 years and above were included. Study characteristics and clinical outcomes such as length of stay (LOS), hospital admission, discharge and readmission rates, ED reattendance rates and mortality were narratively synthesised. Meta-analysis was conducted where appropriate.
resultsFourteen studies were included out of 5656 titles and abstracts screened. We identified three models of Geri-EDOUs, with varied patient profiles and diagnosis categories, unit staffing, patient selection and CGA components. We observed that Geri-EDOUs were associated with shorter LOS and lower hospital admission and readmission rates. Meta-analysis showed a pooled mean LOS of 2.82 days, a mortality rate of 9%, 50% of admissions saved and a 30-day ED readmission rate of 11%. No significant differences in mortality, readmission rates or admissions saved were found in double-arm studies.
conclusionGeriatric-centred EDOUs utilise a variety of designs to provide early access to CGA for patients admitted to EDs and demonstrate the potential to improve patient outcomes. Future studies should also consider evaluating patient-reported outcomes and the cost-effectiveness of running Geri-EDOUs.
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