Abstract
The aim of this study was to characterise the patients and outcomes of an acute medical take. 107 consecutive patients admitted to the acute medical take in a tertiary referral centre were investigated and followed-up at 6 months. Data were collected within the following domains: demographics, observational parameters, initial clinical care, outcomes, patient flow and follow-up. There was a high prevalence of renal dysfunction (27%) and possible/probable sepsis (56%). 22% of patients benefitted from early advanced imaging. Average length of stay (LoS) was 8.15 days for general medicine patients vs 3.23 for patients treated by specialist teams (p < 0.05). LoS was 11.1 days longer if patients' biochemistry suggested probable sepsis (p < 0.05). 31% were readmitted within 6 months. We conclude that patients presenting to the acute medical take are physiologically stable, though frequently present with renal impairment or sepsis, and that specialist patients experienced a shorter LoS. These data are important in planning the future provision of acute medical care.