Mechanism of injury, resource utilisation and outcomes for patients admitted with head injuries under General Surgery

There has been a noticeable change in Irish hospitals in the demographics of patients sustaining head injuries that now includes many older patients suffering head injuries from low impact trauma.

This study sought to define the demographic nature of patients admitted with head injuries over a 3-month period to Beaumont Hospital and to determine the mechanisms of head injuries sustained, resource utilisation during the inpatient admission and the outcomes for these patients.

All head injuries admitted between December 1, 2023, and February 29, 2024, were captured and data pertaining to patient demographics, mechanism of injury, resource utilisation and outcomes were assessed. A comparison between patients under the age of 70 and over the age of 70 was also undertaken.

Thirty six patients were admitted in the 3-month period. 52.8% (n = 19) were over the age of 70. The mechanism of injury in the older cohort had a tendency to be low impact trauma, often with mechanical falls from standing height The median length of stay was 4.5 days. The older cohort was more likely to have a history of previous falls, to require input from allied health and social care professionals and were less likely to be discharged directly home.

Older patients requiring hospital admission for head injuries have significantly different care needs to younger patients admitted with head injuries. A national pathway for older patients who sustain head injuries needs to be implemented to ensure they get timely access to the investigations and specialists required.