OBSTACLES IN CREATING AND APPLYING TRAUMA PROGNOSTICATION TOOLS FOR OLDER ADULTS TO SUPPORT SHARED DECISION-MAKING

Older trauma patients (aged 65 and above) face a higher mortality risk compared to their younger counterparts. However, more than 50% survive to discharge, and up to 85% of these individuals return to their prehospital or independent functional status. The remaining 15%, who do not fully recover to their baseline, pose a significant challenge to the medical community. These patients exhibit distinct anatomical and physiological characteristics, as well as a reduced capacity for recovery following traumatic events. Today's older adults place a high value on autonomy, engagement, and control over their lives. Traumatic injuries threaten these values and their overall quality of life. An initially aggressive treatment approach is warranted when a patient presents in extremis and patient history is still being gathered. However, transitioning to alternative strategies becomes challenging once a poor prognosis is determined.