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Mortality in geriatric psychiatric inpatients
J P Hwang1, S J Tsai, C H Yang
1Department of Psychiatry, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine
|December 9, 1998
Summary
Pneumonia is a significant cause of death in older psychiatric patients. Early recognition of pneumonia symptoms is crucial for reducing mortality, particularly in male veterans with a history of pulmonary disease.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Psychiatry
- Inpatient Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Geriatric psychiatric wards admit patients aged 65 and older.
- Understanding mortality patterns in this demographic is essential for improving care.
- Previous studies have not fully detailed mortality causes in this specific inpatient setting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the mortality rate among patients aged 65 and older on a psychiatric ward.
- To characterize the illnesses and causes of death in this patient group.
- To identify predictors of mortality in elderly psychiatric inpatients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of deceased patients aged 65+.
- Analysis of case records over a seventeen-year period.
- Data collection focused on patient demographics, diagnoses, and cause of death.
Main Results:
- The overall mortality rate was 1.5% (18/1208 patients).
- Pneumonia was the leading cause of death, accounting for 8 of the 18 deaths.
- Mortality was difficult to predict; age, sex, and diagnosis did not significantly predict death.
Conclusions:
- Pneumonia is a primary concern for mortality in elderly psychiatric inpatients.
- Early recognition and management of pneumonia symptoms are vital for reducing deaths.
- Targeted interventions for male veterans with pulmonary disease history may lower mortality rates.