Can Waterlow score predict 30-day mortality and length of stay in acutely admitted medical patients (aged ≥65 years)? Evidence from a single centre prospective cohort study

Objective This study aimed to explore the potential for the Waterlow score (WS) to be used as a predictor of 30-day mortality and length of hospital stay (LHS) in acutely admitted medical patients aged 65 years and older.Design Prospective observational cohort study.Setting UK District General Hospital.Subjects 834 consecutive patients aged 65 years and older admitted acutely to medical specialties between 30 May and 22 July 2014.Methods Admission WS (range 4–64) assessment paired with the patient’s status at 30 days in terms of mortality and their LHS.Primary outcomes 30-day mortality and length of inpatient stay.Results 834 consecutive acute medical admissions had their WS recorded. 30-day mortality was 13.1% (109 deaths). A significant difference in the distribution of WS (p