Evaluation of elderly patients admitted to the pulmonology outpatient clinic

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to investigate the utilization of outpatient pulmonology clinic of elderly patients and showing the gaps in elderly care. Materials and methods: Among all patients admitted to outpatient pulmonology clinic between November 1,2017 and February 1, 2018, elderly patients were included. Data were collected from 407 elderly patients and their demographic characteristics, admission symptoms, past medical history and lung auscultation findings were evaluated. Results: One third of all admissions were elderly patients and 93% had at least one comorbid disease, mean number of medications being used was 5 23 +/- 1 .57, mean mediacation use number was higher among females than males (p<0.05). in this study group, 12% were current smokers, which included 21% of the males in the group and 3% females (p<0.05). Cough (58.7%) and dyspnea (44%) were among the most common admission symptoms. in addition, 52.8% had a pathological finding at lung auscultation, with a higher rate among males compared to females (p<0.05). Conclusion: the majority of patients admitted to the Pulmonology Clinic are elderly and this number is increasing day by day. They have various clinical findings and it is important that caregivers and especially pulmonologists have knowledge about the characteristics, treatment and care needs of elderly patients.