Walter Index — 1-year Post-Discharge Mortality in Elderly
Validated index for 1-year mortality after non-elective hospital discharge in adults ≥70 (Walter 2001). Sums 6 weighted variables.
Score interpretation
→ Standard discharge follow-up. Routine outpatient and primary-care review.
→ Discharge with community follow-up; consider telephone review at 1–2 weeks. Polypharmacy review. Carer support.
→ Activate community palliative / supportive care. Advance care planning / ReSPECT before discharge. Anticipatory medications. Family meeting.
→ Strongly consider hospice referral or community end-of-life pathway. Anticipatory medications, preferred place of death, ReSPECT, family bereavement support.
Interpretation bands for the Walter Index. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Lisinopril (HFrEF / Post-MI) · ACE Inhibitor / HFrEF
- Colchicine (Pericarditis / Post-MI Inflammation) · Pericarditis / Coronary Inflammation
- Clopidogrel (ACS / Post-PCI) · Antiplatelet / ACS
- Bisoprolol (Heart Failure in Elderly) · Selective beta-1 blocker
- Sodium Valproate (Epilepsy in Elderly) · Antiepileptic
- Sertraline (Elderly) · SSRI Antidepressant
- Falls Assessment in Older Adults · NICE CG161 2013
- Delirium Outside ICU · NICE CG103
- Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) · BGS / NICE
- Delirium Assessment and Management · NICE CG103 2010
- Frailty Recognition and Management · BGS Frailty Framework / NHS NHSE
- Polypharmacy and Medicines Optimisation · STOPP/START v2 2014 / NICE NG5
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.