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

Abstract

Background: 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.

Aims: 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.

Methods: 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.

Results: 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.

Conclusions: 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.