Back to Search
Start Over
Tap water scalds among seniors and the elderly: socio-economics and implications for prevention.
- Source :
-
Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries [Burns] 2007 Aug; Vol. 33 (5), pp. 666-9. Date of Electronic Publication: 2007 May 02. - Publication Year :
- 2007
-
Abstract
- Introduction: Tap water scalds among those >or=60 years old are often attributed to physical impairments with aging. This study assesses socio-economics associated with tap water scalds among seniors and the elderly.<br />Methods: Charts of patients admitted to an urban Burn Center between 7/00 and 6/04 for treatment of tap water scalds were reviewed. Demographics, injury details, co-morbidities, surgical interventions/critical care requirements, length of stay (LOS), disposition and related economics were reviewed.<br />Results: During the study period, 68 patients >or=60 years were hospitalized for treatment of these scalds. Mean age and burn size were 78+/-1 years and 7+/-0.9% TBSA. Over 98% of patients were admitted with pre-existing co-morbidities; 60% required ICU care for 40+/-5 days; 22% required mechanical ventilation and 71% required surgery. LOS was 34+/-4 days. Most patients received government assistance income. Pre-injury, 32% resided alone. Post-injury, 10% of patients returned home alone; mortality was 22%. Per patient hospital costs approximated $113,000.<br />Conclusion: These findings report that tap water scalds result in significant morbidity, mortality and health care costs for local seniors and the elderly. Socio-economic factors play a significant role in these injuries and must be assessed when planning prevention efforts.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0305-4179
- Volume :
- 33
- Issue :
- 5
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 17478044
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.burns.2006.10.003