Are long-term care residents referred appropriately to hospital emergency departments?
Our results agree with previous studies that cast doubt on the idea that LTC residents are "dumped" on EDs. Most referrals appeared appropriate as defined by criteria established by the physician team and given the number of hospital admissions, diagnostic tests, and treatments provided. Potentially, more acute care could be provided in LTC facilities with enhancement of services. Prospective studies could tell us more.
These results qualitatively and quantitatively emphasize the universal appearance of the compulsions in OCD symptoms.