Emergency department: risk stratification in the elderly

Background & aims. The older adults have very frequent access to the Emergency Department (ED). aim of this study is explore ability some geriatric screening tools validated for ED predict outcomes (mortality, hospitalization, readmission and institutionalization) at 6 months.Methods. Older consecutively admitted Cagliari University’s between May December 2017 were enrolled. In patients screened with three tools: Identification Seniors Risk tool (ISAR); Triage Screening Tool (TRST); International Resident Assessment Instrument Screener (InterRAI Screener). At months contacted by phone verify: mortality, readmission, hospital admission, institutionalization.Results. Of 421 (median age 77, Interquartile Range 71-83; 55.8% women) enrolled, 72.4% positive ISAR, 50.1% TRST; moreover 44.9% enrolled subjects needed a urgent evaluation InterRAI Screener. dead had TRST greater severity compared alive ones. ISAR also more severe in who while those hospitalized, addition Inter- RAI However, applying stepwise logistic regression, used, only was predictor hospitalization (OR = 1.23; CI 1.03- 1.48; P 0.02; AUC 0.63).Conclusions. association may be useful intercept both critical issues typical elderly, need priority evaluation.