A survey of the clinical needs of intermediate care services in hospitalized elderly patients

Abstract

Objective To investigate the application of functional assessment to determine the needs of intermediate care services of elderly, and to analyze the needs of intermediate care services of elderly patients in different grades of hospital, different departments and different age. Method 2481 cases of patients aged over 60 years hospitalized due to acute diseases were collected. The ability of activities of daily living (ADL) scale (Barthel index) and limb function were determined in patients aged over 60 years within 1 week after admission as acute diseases. According to the clinical data and scoring scales, the patients were divided into three groups of self-care group without declined independent function of life with Barthel index > 95 points; intermediate care group in whom the ability of daily activities was decreased due to the acute diseases, the function of the body was decreased, and Barthel index was between 45~95 points; and long-term care group with long term bed rest, severely declined autonomic function or complete dependence and Barthel index less than 45 points, and no opportunity of further recovery. A total of 382 elderly patients (195 male) were in intermediate care group. Analyzed were the intermediate care needs of elderly patients in different levels of hospitals, different departments (including respiratory, cardiovascular, emergency department, geriatrics) and different age. Results The proportion of needs of intermediate care services was 16.1% (194/1205) in third grade hospitals, 24.3% (33/136) in grade 2 hospitals, 38.1% (91/239) in grade 1 hospitals, and 7.1%(64/901) in community hospital. In general hospital the proportion of needs of intermediate care services were 24.5% (13/53) in emergency department, 12.1% (4/33) in cardiology department, 14.6% (6/41) in respiratory department, and 10.4% (7/67) in geriatric department. The proportion of needs of intermediate care services was 19.0% (22/116) in age group of 60~69, 42.2% (62/147) in age group of 70~79, and 28.6% (34/119) in age group of over 80 years. Conclusion The needs of intermediate care services are different in different age groups. Patients aged 70~79 years have the highest needs of intermediate care services. The needs of intermediate care services are different in different grade levels of hospitals and in different departments. Key words: intermediate care; Needs assessment