Preventing complications, and particularly respiratory complications and delirium in older trauma patients could lower the chances of intensive care unit (ICU) readmission and reduce the risk of death, researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine have found.
A new study, published in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, looked at ICU readmissions among older adults. These patients that were readmitted to the ICU during their hospital stay had a higher risk of dying compared to those who weren’t readmitted and also experienced more complications.
The study revealed when these complications arose, goals of care conversations should be revisited with the patient and their family. This provides an opportunity to engage, or reengage, specialized palliative care consultants.
“Efforts to prevent respiratory complications and delirium in geriatric trauma patients may help decrease the rates of ICU admission and death,” said Dr. Lauren Agoubi, lead study author and Postdoctoral Fellow at the Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center.
This research was funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Investigators on this study represent the Department of Surgery at University of Washington School of Medicine and the University of Washington Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center.