The pattern was the same for male and female patients. Given that there has been no increase in the mean patient age, the difference in discharges is not likely the result of an aging population, the authors said.
The "trend is mainly due to increasing concerns about medical malpractice litigation," they suggested.
The two studies indicate an ongoing crisis and the need to enact liability reform, said Dr. David Seaberg, ACEP president. "The rapidly rising tide of patients coupled with increasing hospital admissions from the emergency department will create pressure on the health system that is not sustainable," Dr. Seaberg said in a statement. "Liability reform could relieve some of that pressure and bring down costs."
No conflicts of interest were reported.