Overnight stays in emergency rooms increase mortality risk for older adults: study

Older adults who spend a night in the emergency room before being admitted to the hospital face a higher risk of dying in the facility, according to a study in JAMA Internal Medicine. The study found that patients who had to spend a full night in the ER were more likely to die within 30 days and experience adverse health outcomes. The risk was highest for patients who required assistance with daily functions. The overcrowding of emergency rooms and the vulnerability of elderly patients in the healthcare environment contribute to these risks. Solving the emergency room bottleneck would require systemic changes, including insurance reform and more robust primary care. Family members are encouraged to advocate for patients and ensure a safe environment.