Functional Profile of Older People Hospitalized in Long-Term Care: A Study of Probability in Portugal

Abstract

Several entities and previous studies suggest the study of self-care behavior as an indicator of prediction of care needs, for the reorganization of health care. Objectives: i) to identify the determinants that influence the capacity for self-care and ii) to know the profile of probability of dependence in the functional and self-care capacity of elderly people hospitalized in long-term care. Methodology: Longitudinal and retrospective study, through analysis of the electronic health records in the GestCare platform of the National Network of Integrated Continued Care in Portugal: Convalescence Units (CU), Medium Term and Rehabilitation Units (MDRU), Long Term and Maintenance Units (ULDM), between 1 January 2008 and 27 February 2017, with a total of 171 414 individuals and multiple assessments of health status. Results: Older age (85 years or more), not having attended school, low body mass index, presence of sad or depressed mood were predictive factors for greater deficits in mobility, in activities of daily living, instrumental activities and cognitive status. In the CU the percentile of severe dependence is more likely in women from 88 years of age and in men from 91 years of age. In the MDRU the profile of severe dependence occurs more likely from the age of 75 for men and 80 years of age for women. In the LTMU it is processed from the 81 years. Conclusions: Knowing the determinants of self-care capacity and the probability profile of the deficit in functional performance will make possible define priority groups for nursing intervention and improve models of quality and financing, based on gains in health.