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According to a recent study, older individuals are not receiving proper attention when they visit Accident & Emergency departments. Academics have expressed concern over this finding, stating that elderly patients are less likely to be seen within the designated time frame.
According to researchers, younger individuals with straightforward issues are experiencing shorter wait times for evaluations compared to older, frail patients requiring more comprehensive care.
According to a recent research, individuals who are frail or have age-related conditions, also known as geriatric syndromes, are less likely to undergo an initial evaluation within the desired timeframe of four hours.
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The results of this research reveal a worrisome pattern within the National Health Service. It appears that hospitals may be prioritizing younger patients with simpler conditions over our frail and elderly patients who require more time and attention for assessment and treatment.
Dr. Daniel Lasserson from the University of Warwick
According to the journal EClinicalMedicine, our research shows that older individuals who are frail may not receive adequate prioritization in the acute care process.
A team of researchers, headed by professors at the University of Warwick, analyzed information from 152 hospitals in the United Kingdom about 7,248 patients who were admitted to the hospital in emergency situations.
The information was gathered during a snapshot review conducted by the Society of Acute Medicine on June 23, 2022.
On this particular day, 76.4% of individuals seeking medical attention were evaluated within four hours of their arrival at the hospital.
The principal investigator, Daniel Lasserson, who is a professor of acute ambulatory care at the University of Warwick, expressed his concern about the findings of this research, which reveal a worrying pattern within the NHS.
Some hospitals may not be treating our elderly and frail patients with the same level of importance as younger patients with simpler conditions, as they can be evaluated and treated faster.
It has been observed that elderly patients are at higher risk of encountering deteriorating quality of care in corridors. The gathered data supports this claim, showing that delays in essential aspects of their treatment can lead to a higher chance of negative consequences.
Dr. Tim Cooksley, the former president of the Society for Acute Medicine, remarked on the analysis, stating that it is a significant study that highlights the overwhelming pressure faced by urgent and emergency care services.
“We understand that elderly patients may face declining quality of care in the corridors, and this information demonstrates that any additional delays in critical aspects of their treatment can lead to a higher risk of negative results.”
A representative from the NHS stated that although this examination only covers one day in 2022, it is important to note that elderly patients with complicated health needs often need more comprehensive evaluation and assistance, which can lead to longer wait times.
The NHS is dedicated to offering timely and immediate medical assistance to patients in need. This approach aims to streamline patient flow and allow emergency departments to focus on those with complicated conditions and require comprehensive evaluation.
Source: independent.co.uk
