Adverse Outcomes After Hospitalization in Older Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Wong Roger Y, Miller William C
Primary Institution: University of British Columbia
Hypothesis
What factors predict adverse events in older patients after hospitalization?
Conclusion
Many older patients experience functional decline and adverse outcomes after hospitalization, particularly within the first three months.
Supporting Evidence
- 59.9% of subjects remained free of adverse events by 3 months.
- 49.0% were event-free by 6 months.
- 10.2% and 12.9% mortality rates at 3 and 6 months respectively.
- An abnormal TUG score was linked to increased risk of adverse outcomes.
Takeaway
Older people can get worse after being in the hospital, and some might need help again or even die. We found that a simple test can help tell who might have problems later.
Methodology
This was a prospective cohort study of older adults (75+) admitted to acute care for elders units, assessing their outcomes at 3 and 6 months post-discharge.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias as only consenting patients were included, possibly skewing results towards healthier individuals.
Limitations
The study may not represent all older adults, as those who consented were likely healthier than those who did not.
Participant Demographics
Median age was 83.9 years, with 53.1% female; most lived independently before hospitalization.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.03
Confidence Interval
1.03 to 1.59
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website