B.C. patients having more complex medical needs, study finds

The UBC study found patients coming to the ER were 2.7 times more likely to be hospitalized and 2.1 times more likely to have multiple medical issues in 2017, compared to 2002. Over that same period, patients were 1.8 times more likely to be taking 10 or more medications and were also more likely to be 75 years or older and to have an adverse event in hospital. The findings are partially a result of Canada's aging population but also due to advances in medicine that allow patients to live longer with severe illnesses. The findings also show decreases in the likelihood of patients staying in the ICU or dying in hospital. Researchers say policymakers will have to anticipate growing demand, as well as more complex patient conditions in years to come.