Inclusion of older adults in emergency department clinical research: Strategies to achieve a critical goal.

Abstract

Medical research across all fields has historically excluded older adults (aged 65 years and older). Because older adults have a higher burden of chronic illness, respond differently to treatment, and are more prone to medication side effects, the results of current research may not be applicable to this important population. To address this major research deficiency, the National Institutes of Health established the Inclusion Across the Lifespan policy, effective January 2019. We present important considerations and proven strategies for successful inclusion of older adults in emergency care research relating to study design, participant recruitment and retention, and sources of support for investigators.