Introduction - The elderly population (age > 65) is increasing in the US with projections of a 50% increase by the year 2020. This increase may result in significant stress on the already overwhelmed emergency departments (ED) across the nation. The goal of this project is to describe demographic characteristics of the geriatric population in a busy, urban, level-1 trauma center ED and the prevalence of falls, an important cause of morbidity in elderly.
Methods - Retrospective chart review for all ED visits to Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia, from January 14-21, 2001. Charts of patients age > 65 years were abstracted for demographic information, time of presentation, chief complaint and occurrence of a fall. Descriptive statistics were obtained with SPSS.
Results - Of 2054 patients evaluated, 185 (9%) were age >65. Of these 185, 64(34.8%) were male and 120(65%) were female, with a mean age of 73.5 and 75.2, respectively. The bimodal time of presentation curve indicated a peak between 11AM and 3PM and another 7PM and 9PM. The most common complaints involved respiratory disorders (21.3%), chest pain (10.3%) and aches/pains (14.6%). Ten (5.4%) patients were evaluated for a fall and 5 (50%) had associated injuries (contusions, lacerations or fractures). There were 29 (23.8%) admissions, while 86 (46.5) patients were discharged to home.
Conclusions - The geriatric population is projected to increase in the coming years. A significant impact is expected to occur for emergency health care providers. Continuing monitoring and specific provisions are needed to accommodate for the upcoming changes.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, attendees should be able to: 1. Obtain an insight into the current epidemiology of geriatric emergency care in a large, urban-setting level 1 trauma center institution." 2. Recognize that expected demographic changes are expected that will significantly impact the overall delivery emergency health care." 3. Consider potential strategies for dealing with the boom in the geriatric population."
Keywords: Emergency Department/Room, Emerging Health Issues
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.