Characteristics and outcome of elderly admissions aged 85 years and over to St. Luke's Hospital in 1995

Abstract

Elderly people are an important group within the population because of the increasing proportion they constitute within our society. Meeting their health and social needs require the most appropriate type of services. This study looked at elderly persons aged 85 years and over who were admitted to St. Luke's Hospital in 1995. The main objective was that of describing their characteristics and analysing their outcome. The main sources of data were the Hospital Activity Analysis (HAA) system which collects data pertaining to St. Luke's Hospital, and the National Mortality Register. There were 862 admissions of 652 patients. The age group distribution was similar in male and female admissions and the ratio of male to female admissions was 1: 1.6. There were significant differences between male and female admissions with regards to marital status, the method of admission and their destination on discharge. Of the 652 patients admitted, 176 had died by the end of 1995 whilst a further 89 by the end of 1996. The average length of stay was 9.5 days and the readmission rate within a year was 24%. The very elderly who are admitted to hospital are a heterogenous group who differ in their characteristics and their needs. Males and females differ in certain aspects such as marital status and so may have different social needs. Advanced age is also associated with a longer stay in hospital. Evaluating the provision of health care for the elderly population is essential if the health and social needs of this sector are to be addressed.