[Characteristics and resource use of emergency department users older than 75 years. Results from a French national study].
BACKGROUND
Because the elderly tend to have complex and multiple diseases, they are likely to use emergency department (ED) resources at higher rates than other age groups. This study sought to determine the characteristics and resource use of the elderly patients (>or=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 national 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%, laboratory testing for 71.0% and electrocardiography for 64.0%. The percentage of unnecessary or avoidable visits was small: 8.7% were not admitted, were clinically stable, and came for diagnostic tests that could have been performed on an outpatient basis. Age was an independent factor of pre-ED and ED resource use.


CONCLUSIONS
Unplanned health care 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.
Lazarovici
Céline
C
Service de Gériatrie de l'Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris. celine.lazarovici@egp.aphp.fr
Somme
Dominique
D
Carrasco
Valérie
V
Baubeau
Dominique
D
Saint-Jean
Olivier
O
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000552:Ambulances / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012737:Sex Factors