Weekend hospital patients tend to be older and sicker

Written by Mohan Garikiparithi
Published on


weekend-hospital-patients-tend-to-be-older-and-sickPatients admitted to the hospital over the weekend generally tend to be older and sicker. This finding may also contribute to the fact that more deaths occur on weekends.

The study looked at over 500 medical emergency patients in Belfast, and compared those who arrived at the hospital between 5 p.m. Friday evening and 9 a.m. Monday, and those who arrived at other times throughout the week.
Illness severity was generally the same between the two groups, but those admitted on the weekend were on average 3.5 years older and had greater disability, as well as more limited function and motion.

Hospital deaths on weekends are usually attributed to lower staffing and minimal number of senior doctors on site, but the new findings suggest that age and disability level may also play a role.

Although the findings are limited to results from one hospital, the authors suggest age and disability should continue to be part of the conversation when discussing higher hospital death count on weekends.


Sources:
http://consumer.healthday.com/caregiving-information-6/hospital-news-393/older-sicker-patients-admitted-to-hospitals-on-weekends-study-saysl-admissions-707419.html

Advertisement

On any matter relating to your health or well-being, please check with an appropriate health professional. No statement herein is to be construed as a diagnosis, treatment, preventative, or cure for any disease, disorder or abnormal physical state. The statements herein have not been evaluated by the Foods and Drugs Administration or Health Canada. Dr. Marchione and the doctors on the Bel Marra Health Editorial Team are compensated by Bel Marra Health for their work in creating content, consulting along with formulating and endorsing products.

Exit mobile version