Pathways after inpatient admission in very advanced age: A Portuguese nationwide study

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2017

Authors

Brandao, D (Author) Other; Freitas A (Author) FMUP; Ribeiro, O (Author) Other; Constança Paúl (Author) ICBAS

Journal

Title: Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics

Vol. 73

Pages: 89-94

ISSN: 0167-4943

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 2 Citations

Scopus - 2 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00N-4H9

DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2017.07.020

Abstract (EN): Introduction: Oldest old patients often have complex and multiple medical conditions, which are associated with higher rates of use of healthcare services, and a higher risk of experiencing adverse outcomes, such as mortality. This study investigated (a) the in-hospital mortality rate and predictors in patients aged 80+; (b) the destination patients have after hospital discharge. Methods: Nationwide study. All inpatient admissions by individuals aged 80 years and older between 2011 and 2014 in Portugal were considered. Exploratory descriptive analyses of data regarding in-hospital mortality and destination after discharge were performed; multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of in-hospital mortality. Results: A total of 614,807 episodes of hospital admissions were analysed. A mortality rate of 15.4% was observed. In the majority of episodes, patients returned home (78.6%). Increased age, male gender, increased length of stay, unplanned attendance, medical DRG type, increased severity of illness and mortality risk, and comorbidities were significant predictors of in-hospital mortality. Discussion: This study strengthens the importance of implementing health policies specifically to the oldest old, namely with the promotion of the use of primary care services. That would expectably concur to a better management of the most common medical conditions in this population, and a decrease in hospital unplanned attendances.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 6