Characteristics, management and outcome of critically ill general medical patients in the Emergency Department: An observational study

Critically ill general medical patients are an increasing group in the Emergency Department (ED). This register-based cohort study aimed to examine these patients’ characteristics, ED management and outcome, investigate factors associated with ICU admission. The comprised all adult triage 1 treated by a specialized multidisciplinary team 2015 2016. Univariate multivariate analysis were used. 1294 included. Mean age was 59 years, 56% (n = 725) male, mean National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) 7, intensive care unit (ICU) admission 56.8% 735) mortality rate 16.8% 217). Median length of stay (LOS) 1.6 h, 1.2 h if admitted ICU. most frequent discharge diagnosis acute poisoning (24.0%, n 308). Younger age, male gender, arriving at nighttime weekdays, higher NEWS2 arrival, critical interventions or medications More than half ICU, 16.8%. A large proportion diagnosed poisoning. NEWS short LOS suggests that is beneficial.