Journal article
ED Utilization and Self-Reported Symptoms in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Journal of Emergency Nursing, Vol.43(1), pp.57-69
2017
PMID: 28131350
Abstract
The rise in ED utilization among older adults is a nursing concern, because emergency nurses are uniquely positioned to have a positive impact on the care of older adults. Symptoms have been associated with ED utilization; however, it remains unclear whether symptoms are the primary reason for ED utilization. The purpose of this study was to describe the self-reported symptoms of community-dwelling older adults prior to accessing the emergency department and to examine the differences in self-reported symptoms among those who did and did not utilize the emergency department.
A prospective longitudinal design was used. The sample included 403 community-dwelling older adults aged 75 years and older. Baseline in-home interviews were conducted followed by monthly telephone interviews over 15 months.
Commonly reported symptoms at baseline included pain, feeling tired, and having shortness of breath. In univariate analysis, pain, shortness of breath, fair/poor well-being, and feeling tired were significantly correlated with ED utilization. In multivariable models, problems with balance and fair/poor well-being were significantly associated with ED utilization.
Several symptoms were common among this cohort of older adults. However, no significant differences were found in the types of symptoms reported by older adults who utilized the emergency department compared with those who did not utilize the emergency department. Based on these findings, it appears that symptoms among community-dwelling older adults may not be the primary reason for ED utilization.
Details
- Title
- ED Utilization and Self-Reported Symptoms in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
- Authors
- Gordana Dermody (Author)Patricia Sawyer (Author)Richard Kennedy (Author)Courtney Williams (Author)Cynthia J Brown (Author)
- Publication details
- Journal of Emergency Nursing, Vol.43(1), pp.57-69
- Publisher
- Elsevier Inc.
- Date published
- 2017
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.jen.2016.10.001
- ISSN
- 1527-2966; 0099-1767
- PMID
- 28131350
- Copyright note
- Copyright (c) 2017. The author accepted version is reproduced here in accordance with the publisher's copyright policy. The final definitive version is available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jen.2016.10.001
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Nursing; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99511304902621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Emergency Medicine
- Nursing
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Source: InCites