The Impact of Discharging Minimally Injured Trauma Patient: Does Age Play a Role in Trauma Admission?

• DOI: 10.1097/ta.0b013e31821693e2
• Publication Date: 2011-06-10T12:00:11Z
• Authors: Jacob Peschman; Todd Neideen; Karen Brasel
• Keywords: Trauma Center; Geriatric Trauma; Triage; Major trauma; Revised Trauma Score; Penetrating Trauma

Background: Age is suggested as a triage criteria for transfer to trauma center, despite poor outcomes after similar injury regardless of center level. The effect differential based on age has not been evaluated. We hypothesized that there would be difference in the admission rates geriatric patients compared with rest adult population independent severity. Methods: Records 1,970 evaluated by team at Level I and discharged directly from emergency department were reviewed. Data abstracted included demographics, injuries, physiologic information. These data 3,232 admitted over same time period who had information via record review. χ2 analysis was performed, followed binomial logistic regression determine factors affected odds admission. Results: A total 451 (8.68%) 65 years or older; 62.2% admitted. Significantly more (82%) (χ2 = 126.24; p < 0.001). Multivariate showed age, head injury, Injury Severity Score, Glasgow Coma Scale, initial blood pressure significant predicting hospital (p Conclusions: alone associated increased being hospital, severity other parameters. This implications centers see proportion systems must prepare "aging America."