|
|
|
|
|
Antonios Likourezos, MA, MPH, Charles Howe, Daniel Murphy, MD, MBA, and Steven Davidson, MD, MBA. Department of Emergency Medicine, Maimonides Medical Center, 4802 Tenth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219, 718-283-6896, alikourezos@maimonidesmed.org
The objective of this cross-sectional study was to compare and describe the characteristics of patients in our ED as a function of age: 20-39 (group 1), 40-59 (group 2), 60-79 (group 3), and >=80 (group 4). An ED database provided patient-specific demographics (date of birth, marital status, zip code), and visit-specific clinical and utilization information (date and time of ED arrival and release, mode of arrival, chief complaint, acuity score, and disposition) from 1/1/2000 to 12/31/20002. Statistical analyses included frequency distributions, X2-test for categorical, and ANOVA for continuous variables. There were 159,148 ED visits in the 3 year period: 33% (group 1), 26% (group 2), 25% (group 3), and 16% (group 4). More young patients in group 1 (59.7%) and group 2 (57.4%) resided within or adjacent to the ED’s zip code (P<.0001). Older patients had higher acuity presentations; arrived more frequently by ambulance (P<.0001); stayed longer in the ED (mean hrs. (SD): group 1: 3:22 (3:13), group 2: 4:30 (3:50), group 3: 5:54 (4:03), group 4: 6:40 (4:06); P<.0001); and were admitted more frequently to the hospital (P<.0001). Elders frequented the ED more regularly (>3 visits) compared to the younger cohorts during the study period (32%, 39%, 42%, 48%, respectively; P<.0001). In conclusion, as the population ages, hospitals and emergency departments should anticipate recurrent and higher acuity visits that require greater length of stay and more hospitalizations. The elderly may travel greater distances to their hospital of choice. Capacity management teams should plan accordingly.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to
Keywords: Epidemiology, Emergency Department/Room
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.