Abstract
Objective
The goals of this study were to (1) determine whether level of social support and
living situation predicted emergency department (ED) use among older adults and (2)
identify correlates of ED visits according to whether the patient was admitted to
the hospital.
Methods
Secondary analysis of a longitudinal, prospective study was conducted.
Results
In adjusted analyses, subjects who lived alone were 60% more likely to visit the ED
than those who lived solely with their spouse. Neither type nor level of social support
as measured by the Duke Social Support Index predicted ED use. Indicators of poor
physical health (prior hospitalization, poorer self-rated health, and functional disability)
were predictors of ED visits that resulted in hospitalization; however, these were
not significantly associated with outpatient ED visits.
Discussion
Older adults who live alone are more likely to visit the ED. Additional study is needed
to understand the determinants of outpatient ED visits.
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Article Info
Publication History
Accepted:
July 31,
2007
Received in revised form:
July 30,
2007
Received:
April 17,
2007
Footnotes
☆This research was presented in part at the American Geriatrics Society 2006 Annual Scientific Meeting, Chicago, IL.
Identification
Copyright
© 2008 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
