Quality of Care for Elderly Patients with Pneumonia in Emergency Departments
Author Information
Author(s): Caterino Jeffrey M, Hiestand Brian C, Martin Daniel R
Primary Institution: The Ohio State University
Hypothesis
Elderly patients aged 65 and older are less likely to receive recommended care interventions for pneumonia compared to younger patients.
Conclusion
Elderly patients admitted from the ED with pneumonia are more likely to receive antibiotics and have oxygenation assessed than younger patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Elderly patients were more likely to receive antibiotics in the ED (94.1% vs. 89.4%).
- Age ≥65 was associated with improved odds of receiving antibiotics in the ED (OR = 2.03).
- Age had no significant impact on receiving antibiotics within four hours (OR 1.10).
- Elderly patients had a higher rate of oxygenation assessment (96.6% vs. 93.9%).
Takeaway
Older people with pneumonia get better care in the emergency room than younger people, especially when it comes to getting antibiotics and checking their oxygen levels.
Methodology
This was a prospective cohort study using a pre-existing database of ED patients admitted with pneumonia.
Potential Biases
Potential incorporation bias due to differences in admission decisions between age groups.
Limitations
The study was retrospective and conducted at a single center, which may limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
560 patients aged 65 and older, with a mean age of 76.2 years; more likely to be female and white.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.003
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.28–3.21
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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