Table 2

 Aspects of process of care for patients by age group

Age <65(n = 1798)[median age 59]Age 65–74(n = 2683)[median age 70]Age 75–84(n = 2472)[median age 79]Age 85+(n = 561)[median age 87]
%n%nOR* (95% CI)%nOR* (95% CI)%nOR* (95% CI)
*Odds relative to <65 year age group. Odds ratios (OR) were adjusted for the case mix variables in Table 1 using standard logistic regression methods adapted to adjust for hospital clustering. p values were computed using the χ2 values from the regression models with and without age groups.
Accepted by an early discharge scheme14243/171615399/25761.16 (1.00 to 1.34)16368/23521.26 (1.04 to 1.52)1053/5320.83 (0.59 to 1.18)
Admitted under a respiratory physician36637/176233866/26230.87 (0.75 to 1.00)26627/24200.63 (0.53 to 0.75)1686/5500.34 (0.25 to 0.47)
NOT seen by respiratory nurse or physician at all22379/174824633/26161.15 (0.98 to 1.35)33795/23811.72 (1.45 to 2.08)42223/5302.33 (1.75 to 3.03)
NO gases on admission13228/175314354/26011.02 (0.85 to 1.23)16383/23991.15 (0.94 to 1.39)22120/5361.56 (1.19 to 2.04)
NO FEV1 within last 5 years documented396984110991.14 (1.00 to 1.31)5012411.61 (1.37 to 1.89)653672.86 (2.22 to 3.57)
NO respiratory rate documented18323195191.06 (0.90 to 1.26)204971.06 (0.88 to 1.28)221251.11 (0.85 to 1.45)
NO systemic corticosteroids for >24 hours as inpatient14241/174515402/26051.13 (0.94 to 1.36)18423/23881.28 (1.06 to 1.54)24126/5341.69 (1.28 to 2.22)
Receiving ventilatory support if pH <7.3541178/43840254/6341.05 (0.82 to 1.34)33163/4970.77 (0.57 to 1.02)2828/1000.66 (0.39 to 1.11)