2020 Volume 4 Issue 1 Pages 90-97
Aims: We established “One Hospital Coordination of home-visiting physicians and emergency physicians” to overcome confusion at the emergency care site for elderly. The goal of this system is to develop a close relationship between home-visiting physicians and emergency physicians. Methods: A prospective observational study, and the effectiveness of this system considered. Results: Out of 98 cases which were referred to an emergency hospital from a home-visit facility, and 97 cases were accepted. 66 cases were admitted to a hospital for treatment (hospitalization rate 68%), the average number of days of hospitalization were 21.6±1.8 days, and the rate of patients returning to the referral facility was 91%. 13 patients (20%) were hospitalized for several times within a year A questionnaire interview was given to 10 home-visiting physicians who referred patients to a hospital. Features of emergency medical care desired by home-visiting physicians included “quick response (50%)” and “ease (25%).” By connecting the “One Hospital Coordination,” results such as “stress when referring patients was reduced (70%),” and “referrals are carried out smoothly (60%).” Conclusions: “One Hospital Coordination” is considered to promote the smooth referral to emergency care for elderly patients, and contribute to a higher rate of returning home and receive care.
