Under the leadership of Dr. Stephanie Nothelle, our group found, in this observational study using ED visit data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Emergency Department Database from 2014 to 2018, that among discharged ED patients, persons living with dementia had an increased length of stay in the ED compared to those without dementia. This length of stay was noted to be 3.1 hours longer for those discharged to the community (such as a private residence) and 4.1 hours longer for those being discharged to a facility (such as a long-term care facility).

As persons living with dementia are at increased risks for complications associated with prolonged length of stay such as delirium, this study highlights the need for development and adoption of improved care processes for dementia patients in the emergency department.

Phillip D. Magidson, MD, MPH is an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He is clinically active as an emergency medicine physician and geriatrician with a specific academic interest in improving the care of acutely ill and injured older adults.