[Study of mortality in a medical unit of emergency department: incidence, causes and consequences]

Abstract

Objectives: To define the mortality pattern in a medical unit of emergency department (ED) and to know the satisfaction of relatives with ED provided care.

Patients and methods: We computed the number of patients visited and dead from 1989 to 1996. From all patients dying during 1996, we recorded clinical and epidemiological data and we interviewed the patients' family to know their satisfaction with ED provided care.

Results: Whole mortality rate was 0.71 (0.15)% X (SD) with an annual increase of 10.4% (r = 0.78, p < 0.05). The clinical profile of patient dying at ED is an individual of advanced age, with a poor quality of life, and in whom the death was expected when arrived to ED. From the family interview, 61% of cases preferred that their relative was dying in the hospital, and 88% were satisfied with ED provided care.

Conclusions: Although the annual mortality rate has progressively increased in ED, family satisfaction with the received care is good.