EXPLORING THE FREQUENT VISITS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF OLDER ADULTS VISITING EMERGENCY ROOM
2024

Frequent Emergency Room Visits by Older Adults

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Li Ying-Chun, Chang Po-Yen, Juang Wang-Chuan, Cheng Yu-Qi

Primary Institution: National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Hypothesis

What are the risk factors associated with frequent emergency department visits by older adults?

Conclusion

Frequent emergency department users consume more medical resources, contributing to overcrowding.

Supporting Evidence

  • Frequent ED visits are a major cause of emergency overcrowding.
  • Males, veterans, and those visiting during summer and day shifts visit the ED more frequently.
  • Patients admitted for digestive and genitourinary issues have higher odds of frequent ED visits.

Takeaway

Older people often go to the emergency room a lot, which can make it crowded. This study looks at why that happens.

Methodology

A retrospective study using an emergency department database to analyze visits by older adults.

Participant Demographics

Older adults aged 65 and above.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.2915

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