Major trauma in older Irish adults
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Date
2023
Authors
Junker, Kate
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University College Cork
Published Version
Abstract
Introduction: The world’s population is rapidly ageing. In Ireland, the population over sixty five years is expected to increase from 629,800 to 1.6 million by 2051. Such changes in demographics pose a challenge for healthcare and all areas of our service must adapt to meet the needs of this cohort. Major trauma is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Recent literature has shown that low falls are the biggest contributor to major trauma. Major trauma in older Irish adults is an area about which little research has been done. The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of major trauma in older Irish adults and describe injuries sustained and their management. This study also explores outcomes for older adults who experience major trauma and makes comparison with younger counterparts.
Methods: This is a retrospective secondary analysis of data from the Major Trauma Audit (MTA). The MTA prospectively gathers data on patient care and outcomes following trauma from twenty six participating hospitals in Ireland. This study included all patients who presented to a single centre in Ireland with an injury severity score (ISS) indicative of major trauma over five years. Data was divided into the following age groups; 0-24 years, 25-49 years, 50-64 years, 65-74 years, 75-84 years, and 85 years or older. Data was analysed using SPSS version 28. Descriptive statistics were used to define demographics and injury characteristics and chi-square test was used to make comparisons between groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to consider factors associated with specific outcomes. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: In the five year period studied, 1,123 cases of major trauma were identified in Cork University Hospital. Of these, 659 were aged less than sixty five years and 464 were aged greater than sixty five years meaning that 41.3% were older adults. The majority of older adults presenting with major trauma were male (56%) but the proportion of females presenting increased with age. Low falls were the most common mechanism of injury (74.1%). 80.6% of older adults were alive thirty days post injury and 47.2% had a good recovery.
Conclusion: Major trauma in older Irish adults is becoming an important public health issue. Specialist education and training is required to ensure the needs of this cohort are appropriately met. This study highlights the burden of major trauma in older Irish adults.
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Controlled Access
Keywords
Major trauma , Older adult , Major trauma audit
Citation
Junker, K. 2023. Major trauma in older Irish adults. MRes Thesis, University College Cork.