Abstract

BERMEJO HIGUERA, José Carlos et al. Hospital transfers from a population of elderly residents: A retrospective study about the causes and suitability. Gerokomos [online]. 2010, vol.21, n.3, pp.114-117. ISSN 1134-928X.

Aim: to analyse the causes and suitability of elderly resident transfers to hospital emergencies service. Methods: a retrospective and descriptive study about the resident population in a Residence of Comunidad de Madrid. We recorded data from 45 patients transferred in 2008, out of a total of 62 transfers. A suitable or appropriate derivation was one fulfilling at least one of the following criteria: 1-the patient was admitted to hospital or stayed in observation for more than 24 hours, 2- the patient had to be seen by a specialist or required a diagnosis test that was not available in the centre, 3- the patient needed treatment that was not available in the centre. The statistical analysis was descriptive. Results: 98.4% of the transfers complied with the suitability criteria: 67% criterion 1,21% criterion 2 but not other and 77% criterion 3. The most frequent cause for transfer was possible bone fracture after fall (32.3%). Annual deceased percentage (22,38%) was minor than observed in other residences in Madrid, 15,55%of them died in hospital.

Keywords : Health services for the aged; quality of health care; residential care; end of life care; hospital use.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )