Fresno Medical Center’s Emergency Department has achieved Level 3 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA), earning the bronze standard from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP).
This national recognition highlights the Fresno teams commitment to providing high-quality, age-friendly care for older adults in our community.
“This accreditation means safer, more effective treatment, fewer readmissions, and improved transitions of care for older adults,” said Sarah Sifuentez, MD, Emergency Department Geriatric Physician Champion. “Our older adult members receive comprehensive assessments and support that help maintain independence and quality of life.”
To earn Level 3 accreditation, the ED implemented four key protocols:
- Reducing urinary catheter use to lower infection risk.
- Limiting physical restraints and promoting safer alternatives for confused patients.
- Minimizing NPO status and ensuring early feeding once medically cleared to prevent calorie deficiency.
- Delirium screening for all geriatric patients using the Brief Confusion Assessment Method (bCAM) to detect cognitive changes early.
“These steps make a big difference,” said Christopher Davis, MSN-Ed, RN, CEN, Senior Clinical Development Nurse, Emergency Department. “Early feeding and delirium screening help prevent complications that can lead to longer hospital stays or higher mortality rates.”
The achievement reflects strong collaboration among physicians, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, and other team members. Staff completed competency training on delirium screening and mobility assessments like Timed Up and Go (TUG) to reduce fall risk after discharge.
Looking ahead, KP Fresno is preparing for Level 2 Silver Accreditation, which requires additional geriatric-focused processes. The upcoming ED expansion, opening in January 2026, will support these efforts with features such as well-lit hallways, non-slip floors, and large-face clocks.
The GEDA program, supported by The Gary and Mary West Health Institute and the John A. Hartford Foundation, sets rigorous standards to improve outcomes for older adults. Accreditation is voluntary, renewed every three years, and offered at three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold.