Comorbility and recurrent hospitalization in Internal Medicine
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Abstract
Background: Most studies on demographic data from industrialised countries
clearly demonstrate a trend towards aging of the population, associated with an
increase chronic disorders, often coexisting in the same subject. Consequently,
the burden of patients with the above mentioned characteristics is becoming overwhelming
for all hospital wards, and especially for those of Internal Medicine.
Objectives: Aim of the study is to evaluate the characteristics of the patients admitted
to a ward of acute Internal Medicine, the frequency of recurrent admissions
in subjects of 65 years and over, and the reasons for readmission.
Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of admissions to the General
Medicine Department of S. Spirito Hospital (Rome) during the year 2005.
The main demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded in each patient
aging 65 years or more, hospitalized during the first 3 months of the year, and
correlated with the readmission rate during the subsequent nine months.
Results: During the first three months of 2005, 259 patients were hospitalized:
195 (75.3%) aged 65 years or more. Forty-seven patients aging 65 years or
more (24.1%) were readmitted at least once during the subsequent 9 months. In
comparison to older patients who did not require further admissions, those with
re-admissions had more frequently three or more concomitant diseases: 40 out
of 47 vs. 67 out of 148; Odds ratio = 6.9, 95% confidence intervals: 2.9-16.4, p <
0.0001 (univariate analysis).
Conclusions: These data suggest greater relationship between hospital and territory,
in order to ensure a continuum in the care of older patients