An examination into whether the statistical data supports the anecdotal knowledge that an increased ageing population of patients is impacting on the management of care in ICU

There is an abundance of research that shows an increased ageing population in intensive care units in Europe, Australia and the United States of America. However, little study has been done within New Zealand. The regional intensive care unit chosen for this study has anecdotal knowledge that there has been a steady increase in the age of the patients being admitted to this unit, leading to a corresponding increase in acuity, length of stay and mortality which, impacts of the management of care within ICU. This research project seeks to identify whether there is demonstrated increase in age over the last decade in a single New Zealand Intensive care unit. Using data collected by the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society, the study takes statistics of the target intensive care unit and examines the correlations between age, gender, co-morbidities, severity of illness, length of stay, outcome and mortality. Results showed that although there was no significant increase in the ageing population of this chosen ICU. There was however, evidence that confirmed that 25 per cent of all admissions were in the aged population, that they had much longer length of stay, they had a higher severity of illness and higher mortality rate. However, patient mortality in ICU has improved.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Nursing

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Grantor

Eastern Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2014

Author dc:creator

• Pattinson, Mandy

• New Zealand
• intensive care units (ICU)
• aged

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10652/6430

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:null:10652/6430