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Why Elderly Patients Refuse Hospitalization
Author(s) -
Barry Patricia P.,
Crescenzi Caroline A.,
Radovsky Laurie,
Kern Donald C.,
Steel Knight
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
journal of the american geriatrics society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.992
H-Index - 232
eISSN - 1532-5415
pISSN - 0002-8614
DOI - 10.1111/j.1532-5415.1988.tb02380.x
Subject(s) - medicine , medical record , health care , family medicine , economics , economic growth
To identify important factors in the refusal of hospitalization by elderly patients, a study was conducted of 35 such “refusers” on the Home Medical Service (HMS) of University Hospital and a comparison group of 70 patients who accepted hospitalization. Data were collected from health care providers and patient records at entry and six weeks later. The two groups were compared on the basis of demographic factors, health care factors, medical condition, and outcomes. Reasons for refusal were most commonly related to a negative perception of the health care system or a passive acceptance of death. Refusers were significantly less ill than acceptors and did not change in health or functional status at follow‐up. The results suggest that refusal of hospitalization is most often related to interaction with the health care system and that less ill patients may have reasonable outcomes when treated at home.