Care Fragmentation in Older Adults Post-Emergency Surgery Increases Mortality

Study reveals that 24.3% of older adults discharged post-emergency surgery were unplanned readmitted, with 20.8% experiencing care fragmentation. Predictors include rural residence, low-income areas, discharge to intermediate care, non-operative management, leaving against medical advice, and private investor-owned hospitals. Care fragmentation linked to higher mortality. Results underscore the need to address care continuity in geriatric emergency surgery patients to reduce complications and mortality.