Abstract
Introduction
Geriatric emergency medicine (GeriEM) is an expanding area of focus with many institutions allocating resources to the care of older adults [1]. One method of continued growth in the field is through high-quality research and quality improvement projects. Given that GeriEM is a relatively new subspecialty, the challenges with research in this field include a shallow research base, complex patient populations and novel research questions [2]. These same challenges, however, are also what makes the field exciting and ripe with potential for large impact of research studies for a significant proportion of emergency department patients- older adults. This article is a review of the Journal Club on Geriatric Emergency Medicine Research held on November 2nd, 2023. We summarize three presentations from established researchers in the field of geriatric emergency medicine to help inspire, promote and expand research in this field. The discussed strategies are applicable to learners at the start of their research careers and experienced researchers with interests in the care of older adults.
Case
A 29-year-old resident physician is starting a geriatric emergency medicine fellowship. In addition to gaining valuable knowledge in the care of older adults through clinical rotations, one of their goals is to develop academic skills by exploring scholarly projects and/or becoming involved with research in the field of geriatric emergency medicine. They decide to approach this task by seeking advice from experienced mentors in the field.
Case Conlusion
The fellow decides to reach out early to researchers at the institution to learn about research project on delirium, a specific area of interest for them, that are already underway and how they may become involved. They take the time to establish clear personal learning goals prior to beginning their project. With the support of their fellowship director, they seek a mentor to help navigate the academic goals. Through this process they also seek opportunities to network by attending journal clubs, joining committees, and attending conferences during their fellowship. In preparation for their transition as a geriatric emergency medicine leader, near the end of their training they plan out what resources they would need to achieve their future clinical and academic goals. They use this information in interviews with institutions to assess workplace and cultural fit.