Caractéristiques, consommation de ressources des usagers des services d’urgences de plus de 75 ans en FranceRésultats d’une enquête nationale

Background > Because the elderly tend to have complex and multiple diseases, they are likely to use emergency deportment (ED) resources at higher rates than other age groups. This study sought to determine the characteristics and resource use of the elderly patients (>= 75 years old) visiting EDs in France and assessed the effect of age on resource use. Methods > The sample was selected from the DREES prospective study of 150 French EDs for one week in 2002. A case report form was completed for each patient, stating the reasons for consultation, method of arrival, treatment, and outcome. Data were weighted to produce a representative notional description. Results > Of the 9801 patients seen that week, the elderly (n = 1153) accounted for 11.8% of all ED visits, that is, 26 676 ED visits weekly nationwide. In this group, the mean age was 83 years and 60.9% were women. Most patients arrived by medical transportation: 55.6% by nonemergency ambulances and 24.6% by emergency medical transport. More than 75% were referred by their general practitioner (GP). Medical problems (69.5%) were much more frequent than trauma (24.8%). Clinical status was stable in 62% of cases. Use of ED resources was high: radiographs for 74.0%, laborotory testing for 71.0% and electrocardiography for 64.0%. The percentage of unnecessory or avoidable Visits was small: 8.7% were not admitted were clinically stable, and come for diagnostic tests that could hove been performed on an outpatient basis. Age was on independent factor of pre-ED and ED resource use, Conclusion > Unplanned health core of the elderly uses substantial ED resources. Elderly patients appear to use available resources appropriately Demographic trends show that their ED use will increase. Accordingly analysis of the organization and funding of ED services for this population is indispensable.