Characterization of Older Emergency Department XXXX Admitted to Psychiatric Units.

@entity1 @entity162 @entity308 @entity146 @entity2146 @entity2613 @entity911 @entity285
BACKGROUND: Many older @entity1 presenting to emergency departments (EDs) with @entity146 complaints require admission to geropsychiatric units (GPUs). The medical evaluation needed prior to this is not understood. Our goal was to understand @entity2613 evaluation practices for @entity1 admitted to the GPU through the @entity2613 and understand the medical problems identified after admission. METHODS: Via retrospective chart review, we abstracted demographics, medical history, @entity2613 complaint, evaluation, length of stay, and diagnosis. The number of @entity1 later transferred from the GPU and the reasons for such transfers were also recorded. RESULTS: Of 100 @entity1 reviewed, the average age was 78 years. Admission diagnoses were @entity2146 / @entity162 (30%), @entity308 /suicidal ideation (28%), change in mental status/ @entity911 (12%) and other (30%). Most had at least one prior @entity146 and medical diagnosis (77%, 60%). Common @entity2613 tests ordered were basic metabolic panel (BMP) (96%), complete blood count (CBC) (94%), urinalysis (UA) (89%), electrocardiogram (EKG) (69%), @entity285 level (62%), urine toxicology (61%), chest X-ray (51%), and CT scan of the head (71%). Abnormal findings included urinalysis (24.7%), CBC (23.4%), toxicology (23%), BMP (21.9%), head CT (21.1%), chest X-ray (13.7%), ECG changes (10.1%), and @entity285 (4.8%). Five of the 100 GPU admissions were later transferred to a medical floor. CONCLUSION: Most GPU admissions have previous @entity146 and medical issues and are admitted for @entity2146 / @entity162 or @entity308 /suicidal ideation. A certain percentage of @entity1 are transferred out due to medical issues despite @entity2613 evaluation. However, it is unlikely that further @entity2613 testing would reduce this percentage. Further research of medical screening for geropsychiatric @entity1 may elucidate ideal medical clearance procedures.
