Table 1 Baseline characteristics according to clerkship group

Patient characteristics

Age, mean (SD)

79.92 (6.02)

82.76 (7.07)

0.01

Female, (%)

61.29

52.70

0.39

Residence prior to admission, (%)

Home

77.42

81.08

0.67

Assisted living/retirement home

6.45

13.51

0.26

Long term care

16.13

5.41

0.05

Charlson comorbidity index, mean (SD)

2.69 (1.84)

2.40 (1.62)

0.33

Admitting diagnosis, (%)

Pneumonia/influenza

20.97

22.97

0.84

Heart failure

14.52

14.86

1.00

Chronic lung disease

14.52

2.70

0.02

Urinary tract infection

9.68

6.76

0.55

Acute coronary syndrome

0.00

9.46

0.02

Atrial fibrillation

9.68

6.76

0.55

Falls

8.06

12.16

0.57

Delirium/confusion

1.61

12.16

0.02

Weakness

6.45

9.46

0.75

Failure to cope

6.45

2.70

0.41

Comorbidities, (%)

Diabetes mellitus

37.10

22.97

0.09

Coronary artery disease

30.65

32.43

0.86

Chronic lung disease

27.42

14.86

0.09

Arrhythmia

22.58

25.68

0.69

Cognitive impairment

8.06

25.68

0.01

Heart failure

22.58

21.62

1.00

Cerebrovascular disease

20.97

21.62

1.00

Psychiatric disorder

14.52

9.46

0.43

Chronic renal failure

14.52

8.11

0.28

Clerk characteristics

Experience in days, median (IQR)

181 (30–264)

114 (28–201)

0.37