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Examine hospital use and outcomes in patients aged 80 years and older at a Norwegian tertiary hospital.

February 26, 2026Scandinavian Journal of Public Health0 citationsOpen Access

Hospital use and outcomes in somatic patients aged 80 years and older: a retrospective register study from a Norwegian tertiary hospital, 2002–2022

FHFlaatten Hans JKJohannes KolnesHaukeland University Hospital THTorhild HeggestadHaukeland University Hospital

Key Points

Examine hospital use and outcomes in patients aged 80 years and older at a Norwegian tertiary hospital.
Retrospective register study design
Data collected from 2002 to 2022
Analysis conducted at a Norwegian tertiary hospital
Increased hospital admissions correspond with demographic changes
Healthcare system will face challenges with projected population growth
Need for alternatives to hospital admissions in older patients

Abstract

The increase in admissions reflects demographic changes over the past decades. If this population continues to grow towards 2050 as expected, the healthcare system will face major challenges in meeting the demand. Alternatives to hospital admission for older patients should be developed, alongside clearer prioritisation of admission criteria.

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