The association between living alone and health care utilisation in older adults: a retrospective cohort study of electronic health records from a London general practice.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In 2016, one in three older people in the UK were living alone. These patients often have complex health needs and require additional clinical and non-clinical support. This study aimed to analyse the association between living alone and health care utilisation in older patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 1447 patients over the age of 64, living in 1275 households who were registered at a large general practice in South East London. The utilisation of four different types of health care provision were examined in order to explore the impact of older patients living alone on health care utilisation.

Results

After adjusting for patient demographics and clinical characteristics, living alone was significantly associated with a higher

SUBMITTER: Dreyer K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6280341 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature