Emergency Department Team Earns Accreditation as a Level 3 Geriatric Emergency Department
The Emergency Department Team at Washington DC VA Medical Center has earned a Level 3 Geriatric Emergency Department accreditation from the American College of Emergency Physicians.
The Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation Program recognizes organizations that provide elevated emergency geriatric care to patients over the age of 65.
To earn this accreditation, the Emergency Department Team pursued advanced education and training in geriatric emergency care while caring for, on average, 500 Veterans a week who report to their service for treatment. Assistant Chief of the Emergency Department at Washington DC VA Medical Center, Kevin Jeng, M.D., said this accreditation shows the team’s dedication to providing safe, quality care.
“Every Veteran’s needs are different and may change as they age. Pursuing accreditation as a Geriatric Emergency Department is another step in our ongoing commitment to excellence in geriatric emergency care,” said Assistant Chief of the Emergency Department at Washington DC VA Medical Center, Kevin Jeng, M.D.
This accomplishment highlights the Emergency Department Team’s ability to understand and respond to the unique needs of older Veteran populations, which is vital for an organization that serves more than 200,000 Veterans throughout the Washington, D.C. area, and parts of Maryland and Virginia. According to the 2021 Survey of Veteran Enrollees Health and Use of Health Care report, approximately 9 million Veterans are enrolled in the VA Health Care System and close to half of that population is over 65 years of age.
“A significant percentage of the Veterans that we serve are 65 or older. Veterans in this age group can feel confident in the level of care they will receive from our highly educated and trained emergency department staff. They strive, on a personal and professional level, to provide the best care possible to every Veteran they treat, and this accreditation is a direct reflection of their passion for caring for those who have served,” said Washington DC VA Medical Center Director Michael S. Heimall.
To receive a Level 3 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation, the Emergency Department Team had to demonstrate geriatric-specific initiatives that elevate the level of emergency care provided to patients 65 and older. These initiatives included designating a Geriatric Care Champion, providing advanced geriatric care education for all staff, screening for high-risk conditions specific to older adults, and implementing protocols specific to this age group.
The Team was also evaluated on the accessibility of their care environment and their ability to provide a seamless transition of care between the emergency department and other settings like inpatient or community-based care, rehabilitation, long-term care and a Veteran’s home environment.
Accreditation as a Level 3 Geriatric Emergency Department means that Veterans, and their families, can make informed decisions in the event of a medical emergency with the help of experienced, highly trained and accredited health care professionals at the Washington DC VA Medical Center.