Assessment of hospital environments and policies: seeking an age-friendly hospital

João Tavares,Joana Grácio,Lisa Nunes

doi:10.1590/1981-22562017020.160095

João Tavares, Joana Grácio + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/1981-22562017020.160095

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Abstract

Abstract Functional decline is one of the main problems arising from the hospitalization of elderly persons. Hospital environments and policies focused on functionality are crucial for diminishing disabilities associated with hospitalization. This observational study was performed in four internal medicine services and aimed to evaluate the hospital environment and policies as an integral step in implementing the Function-Focused Care (FFC) programme being established in Portugal. The results of the hospital environment analysis suggest that design and product support, while present, are limited given the needs, complexities and specificities of hospitalized elderly persons. Policy evaluation indicated the existence of institutional projects that reflect a concern with functionality. However, more than half of the criteria evaluated need to be developed further in order to integrate the FFC programme. These results highlight that, while these services aim to be more "age-friendly environments", a number of initiatives can and should be undertaken in order to guide the FFC implementation process. This will benefit patients and their families, professionals and institutions.

Highlights

Functional decline is one of the main problems arising from the hospitalization of elderly persons
The model is not limited to the development of care, and analyzes how environment and policies should be mobilized and oriented in order to promote functionality
The results indicate that the hospital environment and policies should focus on promoting independence in order to prevent and/ or mitigate hospitalization associated disability (HAD)

Summary

Introduction

Functional decline is one of the main problems arising from the hospitalization of elderly persons. Age-friendly environments and policies of the "age-friendly hospital" which seeks to promote safety, minimize functional decline and mitigate Based on the intrinsic and extrinsic etiology of the risk factors for HAD, Resnick et al.[7] developed Function Focused Care (FFC) which aims to promote and achieve the highest degree of functionality and prevent physical and cognitive deconditioning.

Results

Conclusion