Excellence in GED Care Award

The Excellence in GED Care Award is the first national designation to recognize Geriatric Emergency Departments (GEDs) that offer superior care. This prestigious acknowledgment is awarded to a GED that demonstrates exemplary standards in patient care, innovative practices, and a steadfast commitment to improving health outcomes. This award is a tribute to the dedication and relentless efforts of the physicians, nurses, and emergency care professionals who consistently provide exceptional care to their older adult patients.

Criteria for Selection: The selection process for the Excellence in GED Care Award is rigorous and comprehensive. Hospitals are evaluated on a variety of criteria including but not limited to the following:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

1. Patient Satisfaction: GEDs must exhibit exceptional levels of patient satisfaction through feedback such as surveys, testimonials, and reviews.
2. Clinical Outcomes: Excellence in care is indicated by successful treatment outcomes and effective management of complications.
3. Quality Improvement Initiatives: GEDs should demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement evidenced by the implementation of quality improvement projects and adherence to evidence-based practices.
4. Patient Safety: Ensuring patient safety is paramount, with the implementation of robust safety protocols, such as falls care processes, error reduction strategies, and infection control measures.
5. Innovation: GEDs that lead the way with innovative approaches to older adult healthcare delivery, embrace cutting-edge technology, and adopt novel treatment modalities are recognized for their contribution to advancing the field of emergency medicine.
6. Staff Training and Development: The quality of care is enhanced by ongoing training programs, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment for hospital staff.

GEDA Rural ED Performance Award

The GEDA Rural ED Performance Award is the first national designation that celebrates the exceptional contributions of rural Emergency Departments (EDs) in enhancing the health and well-being of their communities. Recipients of this prestigious award have redefined the boundaries of rural emergency care by developing innovative programs and services that are more efficient, compassionate, or tailored to the unique needs of older adults in the rural setting.  This award honors a community, regional, or statewide initiative involving one or more health professionals or entities that has significantly improved the delivery of emergency health services to older adults.  Key factors considered in the selection process include:

1. Coordination of Services: Effective collaboration with other healthcare agencies to streamline services and eliminate redundancy.
2. Networking and Collaboration: Building partnerships with other healthcare entities to pursue shared objectives and enhance overall goals.
3. Innovation: Creativity in the development and implementation of programs that address the challenges of the emergency care of older adults in a rural setting.
4. Lasting Impact: Demonstrable and enduring benefits for older adult populations and the communities served.

Innovator Award for Geriatric Emergency Excellence

The Innovator Award for Geriatric Emergency Excellence recognizes Geriatric Emergency Departments (GEDs) that are at the forefront of innovation that improves the care of older adults. This prestigious award recognizes GEDs that achieve measurable results and contribute significantly to the clinical excellence of their hospital through innovative changes and processes.

Recipients of this award have spearheaded projects to deliver improved care while potentially reducing costs for older adults. The Innovator Award supports exceptionally dedicated GEDs that propose innovative, impactful programs and projects, setting new standards in geriatric emergency care.

GED Patient Experience Award

The Geriatric Emergency Department Patient Experience Award honors GEDs that have made exemplary achievements in patient experience, safety, and quality. These departments are distinguished by their unwavering commitment to enhancing the care experience for every patient, ensuring that each visit to the ED provides not only outstanding care, but a positive experience for patients.

The compassion and empathy demonstrated by the staff provide comfort to older adult patients and their families during challenging times. This award recognizes high patient satisfaction, patients’ perception of excellent geriatric care, an esteemed reputation within their community, and continued dedication to improvement.

Honorable Mention

This honorable mention is bestowed in recognition of outstanding commitment, dedication, and service to geriatric patient care. It celebrates the unwavering efforts of geriatric emergency department teams that consistently exceed expectations to provide compassionate, high-quality care to older adults in the ED.

These ED teams exemplify professionalism, teamwork, and resilience and overcome challenges. Their unwavering commitment to delivering prompt medical attention, accurate diagnoses, and lifesaving interventions embodies the true spirit of emergency medicine.

This honorable mention serves to commend ED staff for their devotion to serving their communities with excellence and integrity, significantly impacting the lives of those they assist.

Geriatric Emergency Care System Excellence Award (current award since 2020)

The Geriatric Emergency Care System Excellence Award recognizes healthcare systems that have established high-quality Geriatric Emergency Departments (GEDs) across multiple, if not all, of their Emergency Departments. This prestigious award recognizes the system’s comprehensive commitment to addressing the unique needs of the older adult population and ensuring that care processes are in place to provide geriatric-friendly, compassionate care. This award is a testament to the collective efforts of leaders and members of the healthcare systems, their holistic approach, interdisciplinary teamwork, and impactful contributions to the well-being of the older adult population in their communities.