Abstract
Background: Cognitive function of older people is not routinely assessed in orthopedic rehabilitation, after elective and non-elective surgery. The aim of this study was to assess cognitive impairment and its impact on both length of stay and functional outcomes, of older people admitted to orthopedic rehabilitation. Methods: Retrospective audit, inclusion criteria: aged >65 years, orthopedic diagnosis, discharged from hospital. Results: 116 files were audited, mean age of 82.3 (SD = 7.5) years. Diagnostic groups: fractured neck of femur, (n = 44, 37.98%); elective surgery (n = 42, 36.21%); and other orthopedic conditions (n = 30, 25.86%). Overall 71.55% (n = 83) had cognitive impairment, with a median of mild cognitive impairment across all diagnoses. Both measures of cognition (MoCA/FIM Cognitive) were significantly associated with length of stay (p < 0.01), function (p < 0.05), and discharge destination (p = 0.01). Conclusions: A high percentage of older orthopedic patients in rehabilitation with both elective and non-elective diagnoses have cognitive impairment. Cognitive screening is recommended for all older orthopedic patients in rehabilitation, to inform an individualized rehabilitation plan to improve outcomes and length of stay. Further research is required to explore cognitive strategies to maximize rehabilitation outcomes in the geriatric orthopedic population.
Highlights
Australia has an increasing number of patients being admitted to their rehabilitation units with orthopedic conditions
The number of patients included in this study was 116, with 36 excluded due to not meeting the inclusion criteria, (n = 15 due to the MoCA not being completed, n = 13 due to Modified Barthel Index (MBI) not being completed, and n = 8 were under the age of 65 years)
This study indicates that a high number of geriatric orthopedic patients in rehabilitation, despite the reason for admission, that is elective and non-elective surgery, had cognitive impairment (71.55%, n = 83) as measured by the MoCA
Summary
Australia has an increasing number of patients being admitted to their rehabilitation units with orthopedic conditions. In 2018 there were 60,963 patients admitted to rehabilitation for orthopedic surgeries and injuries [1], which was an increase from 2013, at 49,014 [2] With such a high increasing number of orthopedic patients being admitted to rehabilitation units, it is important to ensure that both the expected length of stay targets and maximum functional outcomes are reached. Cognitive function of older people is not routinely assessed in orthopedic rehabilitation, after elective and non-elective surgery. The aim of this study was to assess cognitive impairment and its impact on both length of stay and functional outcomes, of older people admitted to orthopedic rehabilitation. Further research is required to explore cognitive strategies to maximize rehabilitation outcomes in the geriatric orthopedic population
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
