Physiotherapeutic exercise of a patient on the stairs. | Photo: Helios
November 9, 2024, 5:36 p.m
Gifhorn. Since 2015, orthopedics and trauma surgery have been working closely with geriatrics to ensure the treatment of older trauma patients at the Helios Klinikum Gifhorn. The geriatric trauma center has now been certified for the first time by the independent certification body Cert iQ. The clinic reports this in a press release.
A fall in old age is often accompanied by serious injuries. This includes bone fractures, bleeding and soft tissue injuries. Contrary to popular belief, falls are not caused by stubborn carpet edges. Much more often they are the result of, for example, a heart attack or a stroke.
Risk from general anesthesia
“If the injury requires surgery, it is important to keep the stress on the body and mind caused by anesthesia as low as possible. General anesthesia is often not required; a so-called regional anesthesia is sufficient to anesthetize the region of the body to be treated. This is gentler and minimizes the risk of delirium after the operation,” explains Dr. Sabine Povoden, chief physician for orthopedics and trauma surgery and head of the Geriatric Trauma Center (ATZ).
The team at the Geriatric Trauma Center, led by Dr. Sabine Povoden. Photo: Helios
Inpatient treatment before and after the operation is carried out by an interdisciplinary, multi-professional team. From the time of admission, geriatricians and trauma surgeons/orthopedists work together and discuss every step of the treatment. “We adapt the correct timing of the operation, the operation procedure, mobilization after the operation, but also the prescription of medication and many other points individually to the needs of the patient. Pre-existing underlying diseases and acute deteriorations or complications are treated with the same focus as the consequences of injuries,” says Serge Olivier Nkouei, chief physician for geriatrics.
Nursing staff play a significant role
“Our nursing staff play a significant role in the patient’s recovery. They are specially trained to deal with older and elderly patients. Physiotherapists and occupational therapists ensure that mobility is regained, speech therapists detect swallowing and eating disorders and psychiatrists diagnose and treat dementia or depression, for example,” says Dr. Sabine Povoden continues. Social services play another key role. He adapts the care after the hospital stay to the patient’s changing needs.
The certification process certifies that the Helios Klinikum Gifhorn has implemented requirements for optimal collaboration between the interdisciplinary treatment team as well as the quality and safety of the treatment processes. A well-rehearsed team works hand in hand from the emergency room to discharge.
more news from Gifhorn
