Abstract

Background: Less is known about patients classified as “less acute” during triage, although elderly patients in the emergency department (ED) are a high-risk population. Our study concentrated on the outcomes of patients aged 65 and older with low acuity triage evaluations.
Methods: This health records study assessed ED patients and controls with a Canadian Triage Acuity Scale score of 4 or 5 and age 65 or older. The information collected covered patient demographics, ED management, disposition, and a subsequent visit or hospital admission after 14 days. Chi-square testing and descriptive analysis of the data were both performed.
Results: A stratified analysis plan was performed on patients aged 65-74, 75-84, and 85 years or older. The elder cohort had an average age of 77.4 years (range 64 to 99), while the control group of adults aged 39-54 had a mean age of 46.2 years. Most patients (86.3% older, 93.8% control) were prioritized and sent to the ED’s ambulatory care unit. 11.1% of patients in the older cohort were triaged and then sent to an isolated stretcher area. Emergency medical services brought an elderly patient who had fallen and was being transferred on a backboard to the acute monitored area of the department. The elder cohort’s likelihood of hospital admission was considerably higher (p = 0.017).
Conclusion: The present study shows that even “low acuity” older individuals risk returning and being admitted within 14 days after visiting the ED.

Key words: Emergency department, elderly patients, outcome, characteristics.