Hospitalized Patients Have Become More Complex Over Time

Core Concepts

Hospitalized patients have become more complex over time, requiring more resources and multidisciplinary care.

Abstract

Patients admitted to hospitals have become more complex over time, with an increase in acute medical issues and adverse events. The study highlights the burden this complexity places on healthcare professionals and the need for continued investment in the healthcare workforce to support these patients.
Observational Cohort Study

Patients admitted toward the end of the study period were more likely to have been admitted through the emergency department.
They were more likely to receive treatment for five or more acute medical issues.
The likelihood of experiencing an adverse event while hospitalized increased.
Workforce Challenges

Healthcare professionals face added burdens due to the increased complexity of patients.
The study emphasizes the importance of investing in the healthcare workforce to support patients inside and outside the hospital.
Editorial Endorsement

Clinicians need skills beyond medicine and science to manage patient complexity effectively.
The workforce must be prepared for managing an aging and medically complex population.

Stats

Patients admitted toward the end of the study period were more likely to have been admitted through the emergency department (odds ratio [OR], 2.74).
Patients were more likely to receive treatment for five or more acute medical issues (OR, 2.06).
The risks for unplanned readmission (OR, 1.14) and death in the 30 days after discharge from the hospital (OR, 1.28) increased.

Quotes

"For nurses, doctors, and other health professionals, taking care of a patient today is, on average, more complicated than taking care of a patient was 10 or 15 years ago." - Hiten Naik, MD
"As the authors astutely point out, to effectively care for an increasingly complex patient population, we must also prepare our clinician workforce with the requisite skills to manage this complexity." - Daniel M. Blumenthal, MD
"I've been an intensivist for 12 years now, and I know that even in that 12-year time span, I find myself asking why everybody is so sick, compared to 12 years ago." - Sanam Ahmed, MD

Key Insights Distilled From

Hospitalized Patients Have Become More Complex Over Time

by Fran Lowry at www.medscape.com 01-18-2024

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/hospitalized-patients-have-become-more-complex-over-time-2024a10001ef

Deeper Inquiries

How can healthcare systems proactively address the increasing complexity of hospitalized patients?

Healthcare systems can proactively address the increasing complexity of hospitalized patients by investing in multidisciplinary care teams. This approach involves not only doctors and nurses but also pharmacists, physiotherapists, dieticians, and occupational therapists. By having a diverse team of healthcare professionals, patients with complex medical issues can receive comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of their health. Additionally, healthcare systems can implement advanced technologies such as electronic health records and telemedicine to streamline communication and coordination among healthcare providers, ensuring that patients receive timely and effective care.

What are the potential drawbacks of investing solely in the healthcare workforce to manage patient complexity?

While investing in the healthcare workforce is crucial to managing patient complexity, there are potential drawbacks to solely relying on this approach. One drawback is the risk of burnout among healthcare professionals due to increased workloads and stress associated with caring for complex patients. Additionally, focusing solely on the healthcare workforce may not address systemic issues within the healthcare system, such as inadequate resources, inefficient processes, and lack of coordination among different healthcare providers. To effectively manage patient complexity, healthcare systems need to adopt a holistic approach that combines workforce investment with system-level changes to ensure sustainable and high-quality care for patients.

How can advancements in science and medicine contribute to alleviating the burden of patient complexity on healthcare professionals?

Advancements in science and medicine play a crucial role in alleviating the burden of patient complexity on healthcare professionals. For example, medical breakthroughs in treatment modalities, diagnostic tools, and pharmaceuticals can help healthcare providers better manage complex medical conditions and improve patient outcomes. Additionally, advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence and precision medicine, can assist healthcare professionals in making more accurate diagnoses, developing personalized treatment plans, and predicting patient outcomes. By leveraging these advancements, healthcare professionals can enhance their clinical decision-making, optimize resource allocation, and ultimately provide more effective and efficient care to complex patients.