Survey and Analysis of Age and Antiplatelet/Anticoagulation Medication Status of the Desert Regional Medical Center Emergency Department Patients

Objective To delineate whether the geographical region served by the Desert Regional Medical Center (DRMC) emergency department (ED) in Palm Springs, California has a higher percentage of patients taking antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant medications during the winter season due to the seasonal influx of elderly patients. Method We conducted a prospective study in the patients seen in the DRMC ED between November 12, 2019 and November 14, 2019, and those patients were anonymously surveyed regarding their outpatient use of antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications. Verbal consent for participation was obtained. All the registered patients at the DRMC ED during the prescribed period of time were included. While the patients who were sent home by a triage nurse for non-medical issues or minor ailments requiring no treatment from ED providers and patients who refused to participate or were unable to consent were excluded. Age, gender, medication status including whether on any medication, antiplatelet and anticoagulant use, including dosage, and last dose time were recorded. Results Of the 110 consecutive patients arriving to the ED during the study period, 11 patients were unwilling or unable to provide consent for participation. Of the 99 participating patients, 37 (37%) were over 65 years old. The most common antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant medication taken by the patients was aspirin (24 patients). Aspirin was most commonly taken as once a day, in a total of 11 patients (11%). Thirty patients were taking one or more antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications. Conclusion ED at a hospital in Palm Springs, California has more elderly visits as compared to the national and California state averages. However, antiplatelet usage in elderly patients in our study was lower than the national average.