Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Elderly Patients Admitted to Emergency Departments: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The escalating use of emergency departments (EDs) by the elderly population is a pressing concern, particularly in anticipation of a surge in older adult patients. This study was undertaken to probe the demographic and clinical characteristics of elderly patients referred to the EDs. The findings underscore the immediate and critical need for enhanced care. Methods: A comprehensive cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted based on Hospital Information System data from 2015 to 2019. Out of 12872 elderly patients, 500 were included in the study using random systematic sampling. Various data points were meticulously collected to understand the issue comprehensively, including demographic information, chief complaints, triage levels, hospitalization details, final diagnoses, outcomes, and comorbidities, ensuring the thoroughness and reliability of the research. Results: The study revealed that the mean age of the elderly patients was 72.79±8.65 years, ranging from 60 to 97 years (55% male). Additionally, specific cardiovascular disorders (34.2%), kidney and urinary tract diseases (15.4%), and respiratory diseases (7.8%) were identified as the most common conditions among elderly patients. Furthermore, the most common consequences observed were transfer to medical-surgical wards (57.2%), transfer to critical care wards (14.4%), and death (1.8%) in a small percentage of cases. These findings underscore the importance of our research in understanding and addressing the needs of elderly patients in emergency departments. Conclusion: The study's findings have substantial implications for healthcare policy. They underscoring the need to empower emergency staff and the presence of specialists and geriatricians in EDs. This is crucial for providing effective care and preventing readmission in elderly patients. The study's findings point towards a promising future for enhancing geriatric care.