Counting the cost of dementia-related hospital admissions: A regional investigation

Michael J. Annear; Laura T. Tierney; James C. Vickers; Andrew J. Palmer

doi:10.1111/ajag.12318

Counting the cost of dementia-related hospital admissions: A regional investigation

Michael J. Annear, Laura T. Tierney, James C. Vickers, Andrew J. Palmer

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

AIM: At a time of increasing dementia prevalence, this research explores the cost of treatment and length of stay associated with the syndrome in a large regional hospital.

METHODS: Database analysis of 4332 recorded admissions to a large regional Australian hospital among adults aged 55 years and older during winter 2013 and 2014.

RESULTS: Costs of hospital treatment and length of stay for people with a diagnosis of dementia who presented to a regional hospital were significantly greater than people with no diagnosis over two years. Costs were unrelated to age or likelihood of death in hospital. Prevalence of dementia admissions was low, but treated conditions indicate that the syndrome may be an underlying, and potentially unrecognised, factor in many admissions.

CONCLUSION: Dementia imposes a large cost and resource burden on a regional hospital. Improved identification of the syndrome on admission and implementation of best-evidence management of dementia in regional hospitals may improve care efficiency.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	E32-E35
Journal	Australasian Journal on Ageing
Volume	35
Issue number	3
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.12318
Publication status	Published - 2016 Sept 1
Externally published	Yes

Keywords

Australia
cost of treatment
dementia
regional hospital

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Community and Home Care
Geriatrics and Gerontology

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10.1111/ajag.12318

Cite this

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AU - Tierney, Laura T.

AU - Vickers, James C.

AU - Palmer, Andrew J.

PY - 2016/9/1

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Counting the cost of dementia-related hospital admissions: A regional investigation

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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