Analysis of prognosis and medical resource utilization in elderly patients with trauma: A retrospective cohort study in one trauma center.

BACKGROUND

Trauma is consistently among the top 10 causes of death worldwide. The aging population, constituting 15.21% of adults aged over 65 in Taiwan as of November 2019, has significantly impacted healthcare expenditures. This study aimed to explore the prognosis and resource utilization in patients with geriatric trauma.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis included emergency room admissions between January 2015 and December 2017 at a level I trauma center in southern Taiwan. Comparisons between the age groups assessed medical resource use, patient characteristics, trauma profiles, and management. Outcomes examined included mortality, complications, length of hospital stay (LOS), duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and costs.

RESULTS

Of the 5185 eligible patients, 1743 were elderly. Elderly patients, predominantly women, exhibit more blunt injuries often resulting from accidental falls. They experienced longer hospital stays and higher medical expenses, as well as increased complication and mortality rates. Mortality predictors included age, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, trauma severity score (≥16), complications, surgery, and initial hypotension.

CONCLUSION

Elderly patients experienced longer LOS, higher mortality and complication rates, and greater total medical costs compared to younger individuals. These findings highlight the increased healthcare resource utilization and heightened mortality risks faced by elderly trauma patients. Thus, tailored healthcare approaches and resource allocation strategies are essential to meet the needs of this aging population in trauma care.