An Acute Care for Elders (ACE) unit in the emergency department - 17/08/12
Abstract |
Background |
Evidence for Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) in discrete units is now well accepted but in the emergency department setting is not as clear and may offer significant benefits.
Methods |
We evaluated the implementation of a four-bedded Acute Care for Elders (ACE) unit in the emergency department. Three cohorts of patients were recruited in a prospective before and after evaluation.
Results |
Patients in the ACE unit were more likely to be discharged immediately (17.1% vs. 1.4% “before” and 7.7% “after”, P<0.0005). Access to specialty beds on the day of admission was significantly different (71% “before”, 69% ACE unit, 60% “after”, P=0.019). Length of stay in a non-specialty bed was not reduced compared to the “before” group (1.0 days vs. 1.2 days, P=0.09) but was compared to the “after” group (1.0 days vs. 1.6 days, P=0.0001). Length of stay was not significantly different (12.2 days “before” vs. 12.7 days ACE unit, P=0.78 or vs. 11.7 days “after”, P=0.54). Seven and 30-day readmission, 12-month mortality, admission to residential care or living at home were not significantly different.
Conclusion |
ACE units in the emergency department can reduce admissions and offer immediate CGA without adverse outcomes for patients.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : CGA, Acute, Geriatric, Assessment, Emergency department
Plan
Vol 3 - N° 4
P. 261-263 - août 2012 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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