Predictive outcomes for older people who present to the emergency department

摘要: Summary Background In an ageing population, older people comprise increasingly higher proportion of emergency department (ED) presentations. When admitted to hospital, some elderly patients (particularly aged care facility residents) are at risk iatrogenic complications. Method A retrospective cohort study was conducted describe clinical characteristics and predict outcomes 6208 ≥65 years who presented one from 1 July 2002 30 June 2003. Internal comparisons residents (ACFRs) non-aged (non-ACFRs) were performed. Outcome measures included length stay (LOS) (ED hospital), ED re-presentation, hospital readmission in-hospital mortality. Results 1006 ACFRs 5202 non-ACFRs the within 12 months. Compared non-ACFRs, comprised significantly proportions admission (76.6% vs. 60.8%), re-presentation (66.0% 52.0%) (36.5% 24.7%). also had a longer LOS (6h 5h) (5 days 3 days). Multivariate analysis revealed that ACFR independent predictor >6h (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.54–1.92, p 6 1.31, 1.13–1.51) 1.76, 1.49–2.07). Conclusions Older presenting ED, particularly ACFRs, group susceptible negative related outcomes. These should be considered by health service planners given expected growth in population subsequent need for acute medical services.