Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the possibility of using scales for measuring cognitive and physical functions for a prognosis of care outcomes in elderly patients. Methodology. The survey was carried out in one of the Vilnius City Hospitals for Nursing and Support Treatment. A total number of 177 respondents were involved in the study. The Mini–Mental State Examination (MMSE), The Barthel Index (BI) and The Morse Fall Scale were used. Results. A statistically significant correlation was revealed between the scores of MMSE and BI (Pearson R = 0.41, p < 0.01); those with severe cognitive impairment were more dependent. A statistically significant correlation (Pearson R = −0.181, p < 0.01) was reported between the scores of MMSE and the Morse Fall Scale – the risk of falling was higher in patients with severe cognitive impairment. Conclusions. The Morse Fall Scale was not suitable for the prognosis of outcomes. The MMSE was suitable for the prognosis of a patient’s discharge. The Barthel Index should be considered as the most suitable tool for the prognosis of care outcomes: the sum-score of the Barthel Index above 25 may suggest that the patient would be discharged home; the sum-score below this level was associated with a higher likelihood of patient death.
Highlights
The aim of this study was to assess the possibility of using scales for measuring cognitive and physical functions for a prognosis of care outcomes in elderly patients
Statistically significant differences were established between the age groups of the study subjects and the mean values of the Mini–Mental State Examination (MMSE), as well as the Morse Fall Scale
A statistically significant difference was established between the MMSE and the Barthel Index (BI), as well as the Morse Fall Scale
Summary
Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the possibility of using scales for measuring cognitive and physical functions for a prognosis of care outcomes in elderly patients. A statistically significant correlation was revealed between the scores of MMSE and BI (Pearson R = 0.41, p < 0.01); those with severe cognitive impairment were more dependent. A statistically significant correlation (Pearson R = -0.181, p < 0.01) was reported between the scores of MMSE and the Morse Fall Scale – the risk of falling was higher in patients with severe cognitive impairment. The Morse Fall Scale was not suitable for the prognosis of outcomes. The Barthel Index should be considered as the most suitable tool for the prognosis of care outcomes: the sum-score of the Barthel Index above 25 may suggest that the patient would be discharged home; the sum-score below this level was associated with a higher likelihood of patient death
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
