Factors associated with re-presentation to emergency departments in elderly people with pain

Objectives To identify medical, social and demographic factors associated with increased risk of 30-day re-presentation to the emergency department (ED) in elderly people presenting with pain. Methods We undertook a single site, prospective observational study of all patients aged >65 years discharged from the ED with pain. Data were collected on possible medical, social and demographic predictors of ED readmission. Participants were a subset of all elderly patients presenting to the ED with pain, and received follow-up case management as part of the hospital’s rapid response, assessment and care planning program for elderly people. Results Over 8 months, 356 people were eligible for inclusion in the study; of these, 189 consented to case management and to participate in the study. Three factors statistically increased odds of re-presentation to ED within 30 days: (1) prescription of opioids (P = 0.003); (2) the presence of Home and Community Care Services (P = 0.03); and (3) the absence of a gait aid (P = 0.019). Nineteen per cent of eligible patients re-presented to ED within 30 days of initial presentation. Conclusion These findings contribute to current debate about opioid prescription and effective pain management in the elderly. The study highlights the need for routine follow-up care of older people discharged from the ED with pain, particularly those discharged home with opioids or with complex care needs. What is known about the topic? Re-presentation rates within 28 days for all-comers to the emergency department (ED) are collected and reported as part of routine service monitoring and evaluation. Presentation rates for elderly people to EDs have been escalating over the past decade; however, the risk factors that lead to re-presentations for elderly people have not been documented. Similarly, increasing concern about the prescription of opioids in elderly people is documented; however, its impact on ED re-presentations has not been reported. Innovative models of care are emerging to stem the rise in ED demand; however, their role and impact on re-presentation rates are not documented for this subgroup of ED presenters. What does this paper add? This research has demonstrated that ED re-presentation rates for elderly people with pain are higher than overall ED re-presentation rates. This article has identified three risk factors that significantly increase the risk of re-presentation in this population, including the prescription of opioid analgesics. Qualitative data have identified that elderly people prescribed opioids require extensive education and support to manage the medication side effects. What are the implications for practitioners? Practitioners should be aware that elderly people with pain are a higher risk group for ED re-presentation, particularly those prescribed opioid analgesics or with complex care needs. Discharge planning and assessment of supports should be routinely instigated to manage medication side effects, and follow-up services put in place where inadequate. Improved provision of written information in multiple languages for patients who cannot read English should also be initiated.