Geriatric Rehabilitation Center Research Articles

Geriatric rehabilitation center outcomes after successful weaning from extremely prolonged mechanical ventilation in older adults

Geriatric rehabilitation center outcomes after successful weaning from extremely prolonged mechanical ventilation in older adults

Requirement Analysis of Different Variants of a Measurement and Training Station for Older Adults at Risk of Malnutrition and Reduced Mobility: Focus Group Study.

Demographic change is leading to an increasing proportion of older people in the German population and requires new approaches for prevention and rehabilitation to promote the independence and health of older people. Technical assistance systems can offer a promising solution for the early detection of nutritional and physical deficits and the initiation of appropriate interventions. Such a system should combine different components, such as devices for assessing physical and nutritional status, educational elements on these topics, and training and feedback options. The concept is that the whole system can be used independently by older adults (aged ≥70 years) for monitoring and early detection of problems in nutrition or physical function, as well as providing opportunities for intervention. This study aims to develop technical and digital elements for a measurement and training station (MuTs) with an associated app. Through focus group discussions, target group requirements, barriers, and favorable components for such a system were identified. Older adults (aged ≥70 years) were recruited from a community-based setting as well as from a geriatric rehabilitation center. Focus group interviews were conducted between August and November 2022. Following a semistructured interview guideline, attitudes, requirements, preferences, and barriers for the MuTs were discussed. Discussions were stimulated by videos, demonstrations of measuring devices, and participants' ratings of the content presented using rankings. After conducting 1 focus group in the rehabilitation center and 2 in the community, the interview guide was refined, making a more detailed discussion of identified elements and aspects possible. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using content analysis. A total of 21 older adults (female participants: n=11, 52%; mean age 78.5, SD 4.6 years) participated in 5 focus group discussions. There was a strong interest in the independent measurement of health parameters, such as pulse and hand grip strength, especially among people with health problems who would welcome feedback on their health development. Participants emphasized the importance of personal guidance and interaction before using the device, as well as the need for feedback mechanisms and personalized training for everyday use. Balance and coordination were mentioned as preferred training areas in a MuTs. New training options that motivate and invite people to participate could increase willingness to use the MuTs. The target group is generally open and interested in tracking and optimizing diet and physical activity. A general willingness to use a MuTs independently was identified, as well as a compelling need for guidance and feedback on measurement and training to be part of the station.

Hypnotic drug use and rehabilitation outcomes in post-acute geriatric hip fracture patients: A retrospective study

IntroductionThe use of hypnotic drugs is common in the elderly and is associated with negative health outcomes. Our aim was to evaluate the prevalence of hypnotic drug usage amongst hip fracture patients undergoing a rehabilitation program and investigate any potential associations between hypnotic drug use and rehabilitation outcomes in a post-acute care setting. MethodsA retrospective analysis of 440 geriatric hip fracture patients was conducted from 1/1/2019 to 12/2021 in a geriatric rehabilitation center. The main outcome measures were the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), the motor FIM effectiveness and length of stay (LOS). ResultsTwo hundred and twenty-eight (51.7 %) patients out of the entire cohort (440)), were prescribed hypnotic drugs. These patients exhibited a significantly lower rate of diabetes (p = 0.025), a higher rate of depression (p = 0.003), and lower albumin levels (p = 0.023) upon admission to rehabilitation in comparison to untreated patients. No significant differences were observed between the two patient groups in functional rehabilitation outcomes or LOS. Moreover, no correlation was established between the hypnotic drug burden during rehabilitation and the outcome measures. Furthermore, no significant differences were found between patients treated with hypnotic drugs on admission and those who were prescribed these drugs during rehabilitation. The type of hypnotic drug did not affect these results. ConclusionThe use of hypnotic drugs by elderly individuals undergoing a rehabilitation program after a hip fracture is unlikely to have an adverse impact on their short-term rehabilitation outcomes. Consequently, there may not be an immediate necessity to discontinue these drugs upon admission. Nevertheless, the use of hypnotic drugs should be approached with caution and minimized whenever possible due to an increased fall risk and other adverse effects.

Functional Ability, Psychological Factors, and Rehabilitation Outcomes After Elective Total Hip Replacement.

Background. The role of positive psychological factors in acute rehabilitation after total hip replacement (THR) is unclear. Purpose. (a) Examine the trajectory of functional ability among older adults after THR from presurgery to discharge from acute rehabilitation and (b) determine which physical and psychological factors at admission would predict functional ability at discharge and length of stay in rehabilitation. Methods. This prospective cohort study included 30 participants (age M = 76.20 years) from an inpatient geriatric rehabilitation center. They completed the Geriatric Depression Scale and Positive Affect questionnaire. The FIM® Motor domain of Functional Independent Measure (mFIM) was recorded presurgery, at admission, and upon discharge. Findings. Functional ability improved at discharge; however, the presurgery functional ability was not regained. Positive affect explained the length of stay in rehabilitation above and beyond the presurgery mFIM. Implications. Occupational therapists should improve ways to enhance self-care and positive affect in acute rehabilitation.

Psychological Factors Predicting Functional Ability and Participation After Hip Fracture.

Positive psychological factors have been related to better outcomes among adults with various health conditions. To predict functional ability and participation in older adults who had experienced a hip fracture on the basis of data at admission to acute (inpatient) rehabilitation. We measured physical factors, as well as positive and negative psychological factors, at three time points. Prospective and cross-sectional cohort study. Data collection occurred during admission, at discharge, and 6 mo after rehabilitation. Inpatient geriatric rehabilitation center and follow-up at home. Seventy-one older adults (M age = 78.58 yr, SD = 6.09) who had sustained a hip fracture because of a fall and who attended acute rehabilitation; 55 completed follow-up assessments 6 mo after discharge from rehabilitation. Participants completed the Adult Hope Scale, Life Orientation Test, Positive Affect Questionnaire, Geriatric Depression Scale (at admission only), hand-grip strength measures, Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and FIM® Motor domain (mFIM) before and after acute rehabilitation and after 6 mo. The Activity Card Sort (ACS) was administered only at follow-up. Outcome measures were the mFIM and ACS. At 6-mo follow-up, functional ability was correlated more with optimism than with age, gender, or hand-grip strength measured at admission. Participation was predicted by age, the hope-agency component, and pain in walking at admission; however, the hope-agency component was only marginally significant. At discharge, functional ability was strongly predicted by age, hand-grip strength, and mFIM scores at admission. Optimism and hope played a role in explaining rehabilitation outcomes at 6-mo follow-up. Occupational therapy evaluation should address positive psychological factors, and intervention should aim to strengthen these factors as powerful aids in older adults' recovery from hip fractures. What This Article Adds: This study reflects the philosophy of occupational therapy, which places great emphasis on the connection between clients' mind-body-spirit and their participation in daily life occupations.

What do geriatric rehabilitation patients and experts consider relevant? Requirements for a digitalised e-coach for sustainable improvement of nutrition and physical activity in older adults \u2013 a qualitative focus group study

BackgroundDuring geriatric rehabilitation, attempts are made to increase the patients’ health and functional capacity. In order to maintain these improvements in the medium- and long-term, behavioural changes regarding mobility and nutrition are also targeted, but these are often not sustainable. International studies show positive effects on the sustainability of the improvement of physical activity behaviour in healthy seniors through the use of electronic devices and software applications. Comparable approaches that include nutrition topics or combine them and were additionally developed for geriatric rehabilitation patients (≥70 years) to date are not known. The aim of this study was to identify what geriatric rehabilitation patients require from an electronic coaching system (e-coach) to support them in improving their nutritional and physical activity behaviour, and what content and features physiotherapists and dieticians consider relevant.MethodFocus group interviews (09–11/2019) were conducted in a geriatric rehabilitation centre in Germany with patients aged 70 years and older, relatives and experts (physiotherapists and nutritionists). The focus groups were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis.ResultsThree focus groups with patients and relatives (n = 17, 65% female, 16 (94%) in age category 70–99 years) and one focus group with experts (2 dieticians and 1 physiotherapist) were conducted. Relevant contents and feedback elements for nutrition and physical activity in old age were identified. The patients’ comments show that an e-coach must offer obvious benefits for the older persons and promote motivation in order to be used. The willingness to change nutrition and physical activity behaviour and the previous experiences in these areas are very heterogeneous, therefore content should be adaptable to different requirements.ConclusionExperts and patients identified quite similar contents, barriers and facilitators for a nutrition and physical activity e-coach. The e-coach needs to be able to address different points of behaviour change, enable adaptations to the individual patient and convince the older person that using it will help them to improve their nutrition and physical activity. It is also important that the e-coach is easy to use and can be easily integrated into the patient’s everyday life after rehabilitation.

Use of the Frailty Tools Fi Mds and Fi Rockwood to Predict Outcomes of Inpatient Rehabilitation after Proximal Hip Fracture

Background Among factors which affect the outcome of rehabilitation after hip fracture, the role of pre-fracture frailty has not been defined. Objective To assess the impact of frailty on rehabilitation outcome in elderly persons with proximal hip fracture. Setting Geriatric rehabilitation center. Design Retrospective observational study. Subjects Forty consecutive patients with proximal hip fracture. Methods The following parameters were calculated: FI-MDS frailty index, Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale (FI Rockwood), Functional Independence Measure (FIM) on discharge, absolute functional gain (ΔFIM), length of stay (LOS), and FIM gain per day (ΔFIM/LOS). FIM discharge ≥90 and motor FIM discharge >58 indicated success in rehabilitation. Results There were 31 women and 9 men, mean age 80 years. The mean pre-fracture FI MDS was 10 points (SD 5.8) out of 58 possible, the mean FI Rockwood score was 3 (SD 1.7) out of 7 possible. The mean admission FIM was 76.6 (SD 16), the mean discharge FIM was 92.7 (SD 19.3), mean LOS 22.5 days (SD 9.7), mean ΔFIM/LOS 0.8 (SD 0.6). Pre-fracture frailty was associated with worse outcome of rehabilitation: FI MDS predicted discharge FIM ≥90 with OR 0.86, p 0.012; FI Rockwood predicted discharge FIM ≥90 with OR 0.68, p 0.027; FI MDS predicted discharge motor FIM >58 with OR 0.91, p 0.07; FI Rockwood predicted discharge motor FIM >58 with OR 0.71, p 0.027. Conclusions Though pre-fracture frailty correlated with FIM on discharge, neither frailty tool was specific enough to predict success in rehabilitation and the necessary length of rehabilitation. Translating frailty scores in tools adequate for clinical decision making remains an aim for future studies.

Inpatient Rehabilitation after Hip Fracture: Predicting Success in Rehabilitation based on Preliminary FIM

Background: Predicting success of inpatient rehabilitation after hip fracture is an unmet challenge Objective: To assess whether a first impression Functional Independence Measure (FIM) before comprehensive evaluation may be useful to predict success in rehabilitation Setting: Geriatric rehabilitation center. Design: Retrospective observational study Subjects: 42 consecutive elderly patients with proximal hip fracture. Methods: The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) was assessed on the day of admission by a nurse (PreFIM), on day 3-5 by a multidisciplinary team (FimAdm) and on the day before discharge by the same multidisciplinary team (FIMDis). The potential of motor PreFIM to predict rehabilitation success, corresponding to motor FIMDis >58, was assessed, along with the length of stay in rehabilitation (LOS). Results: The mean motor PreFIM was 43.3 (SD 11.4), motor FIMAdm 48.9 (SD 13.7), motor FIMDis 63.8 (SD 16.7), LOS 22.5 days (SD 9.7). Motor PreFIM predicted motor FIM discharge >58, the surrogate measure for success of rehabilitation, with 76.7% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity. Motor PreFIM relation to LOS was statistically insignificant. Conclusions: In a population of disabled elderlies, the motor PreFIM on admission-day was helpful to predict success in rehabilitation after hip fracture, but not the necessary duration of rehabilitation. Large prospective studies are needed to validate this data.

Rehabilitation under Social Isolation: Outcomes of Older Individuals with Hip Fractures, Admitted to a Postacute Geriatric Rehabilitation Center, during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background/Aims: The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is the cause of an ongoing pandemic. The highest mortality rate is observed among the older adult population. During the first wave of the pandemic (March–June 2020), following a national health decree demanding that no visitors or family members be allowed in health institutions, our geriatric rehabilitation center closed gates to all visitors from the outside. We aimed to assess the rehabilitation outcomes of older patients with hip fractures in the first pandemic wave, who underwent rehabilitation under complete social isolation from primary care givers and family members. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. It took place at a university-affiliated, major postacute geriatric rehabilitation center. Rehabilitation outcomes measured were discharge functional independence measure (FIM) score and motor FIM score, FIM score change, motor FIM score change, favorable motor FIM effectiveness, length of stay, discharge destination, and home aid at discharge. Results: The study group included 36 patients who were admitted during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 1, 2020, to June 30, 2020). The control group comprises 106 individuals with hip fractures who were admitted in the respective time periods during the previous 2 years, that is, March 1, 2018, to June 30, 2018, and March 1, 2019, to June 30, 2019. The facility’s occupancy rates were much lower during the first wave of the pandemic in comparison with previous years (78 and 99%, respectively). Patients showed similar demographics and comorbidities, but the social isolation group was more severely deconditioned upon admission. All rehabilitation outcomes were similar between groups. Conclusion: According to the findings of this retrospective study, social isolation from family and caregivers did not have a detrimental effect on the rehabilitation outcomes of these patients. More evidence must be gathered and presented on the matter.

Malnutrition assessed by mini nutritional assessment tool among Indian elderly: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Overall health and nutritional status of elderly population of India is not satisfactory. Therefore, present systematic review was conducted to determine the overall occurrence of malnutrition of Indian elderly and furthermore attempted to find out the underlying causes of malnutrition. Present review considered published article reported malnutrition of elderly as assessed by mini nutritional assessment (MNA) tool. Thus, literature searching, screening and data synthesis was made and recorded following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) protocol. All published literature looked through utilizing the accompanying keywords. The MedCalc software was applied to estimate the overall prevalence of malnutrition by using meta-analysis statistical method. Thirty of 147 articles were included in this analysis. Overall mean MNA scores was 19.47±4.17. Study found overall prevalence of malnutrition among elderly was 17.93% (95% CI: 14.23-21.84). The prevalence of malnutrition was significantly higher in rural elderly (21.67%, 95% CI: 16.44-27.40) than urban (14.23%, 95% CI: 10.02-19.05) elderly of India. Rural elderly more likely to be 1.8 (OR: 1.76; CI: 1.56-1.99) times greater chance to be developed malnutrition than the urban elderly. Moreover, present study estimated that about 18.6 million Indian elderly population was malnourished and expected to be 22 million by 2021 due to elderly population growth, morbidity, poverty and joblessness by COVID-19 pandemic. Given the expansion of elderly malnutrition in future, there is felt need a special nutrition intervention programme for the rural elderly population. Thus, a dedicated geriatric friendly nutrition rehabilitation center (GFNRC) may be setup at every community development block of India.

Mismatch of Subjective and Objective Risk of Falling in Patients with Dementia

Match or mismatch of objective physiological and subjectively perceived fall risk may have serious consequences in patients with dementia (PwD) while research is lacking. To analyze mismatch of objective and subjective fall risk and associated factors in PwD. Cohort study in a geriatric rehabilitation center. Objective and subjective risk of falling were operationalized by Tinetti's Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment and the Falls Efficacy Scale-International. Four sub-groups according to objective and subjective fall risk were classified. Subgroups were compared for differences in clinical, cognitive, psychological, and behavioral variables. In geriatric rehab patients with mild to moderate dementia (n = 173), two-thirds showed a mismatch of subjective versus objective risk of falling, independently associated with previous falls. Underestimation of objective fall risk (37.6%) was determined by lower activity avoidance (OR 0.39), less concerns about falling due to previous falls (OR 0.25), and higher quality of life (OR 1.10), while overestimation (28.9%) was determined by higher rate of support seeking strategies (OR 50.3), activity avoidance (OR 15.2), better executive (OR 21.0) and memory functions (OR 21.5), and lower quality of life (OR.75) in multivariate logistic regression. The majority of patients showed a mismatch between objective and subjective falls risk. Underestimation as well as overestimation of fall risk was associated with specific profiles based on cognitive- and psychological status, falls and fall-related behavioral consequences which should be included in the comprehensive assessment of fall risk, and planning of individualized fall prevention programs for this population.

Using Machine Learning to Predict Rehabilitation Outcomes in Postacute Hip Fracture Patients

ObjectiveTo use machine learning-based methods in designing a predictive model of rehabilitation outcomes for postacute hip fracture patients. DesignA retrospective analysis using linear models, AdaBoost, CatBoost, ExtraTrees, K-Nearest Neighbors, RandomForest, Support vector machine, XGBoost, and voting of all models to develop and validate a predictive model. SettingA university-affiliated 300-bed major postacute geriatric rehabilitation center. ParticipantsConsecutive hip fracture patients (N=1625) admitted to an postacute rehabilitation department. Main Outcome MeasuresThe FIM instrument, motor FIM (mFIM), and the relative functional gain on mFIM (mFIM effectiveness) as a continuous and binary variable. Ten predictive models were created: base models (linear/logistic regression), and 8 machine learning models (AdaBoost, CatBoost, ExtraTrees, K-Nearest Neighbors, RandomForest, Support vector machine, XGBoost, and a voting ensemble). R2 was used to evaluate their performance in predicting a continuous outcome variable, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the binary outcome. A paired 2-tailed t test compared the results of the different models. ResultsMachine learning-based models yielded better results than the linear and logistic regression models in predicting rehabilitation outcomes. The 3 most important predictors of the mFIM effectiveness score were the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), prefracture mFIM scores, and age. The 3 most important predictors of the discharge mFIM score were the admission mFIM, MMSE, and prefracture mFIM scores. The most contributing factors for favorable outcomes (mFIM effectiveness > median) with higher prediction confidence level were high MMSE (25.7±2.8), high prefacture mFIM (81.5±7.8), and high admission mFIM (48.6±8) scores. We present a simple prediction instrument for estimating the expected performance of postacute hip fracture patients. ConclusionsThe use of machine learning models to predict rehabilitation outcomes of postacute hip fracture patients is superior to linear and logistic regression models. The higher the MMSE, prefracture mFIM, and admission mFIM scores are, the higher the confidence levels of the predicted parameters.

Risk factors and outcome of patients with periprosthetic joint infection admitted to intensive care unit.

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a severe complication after total joint replacement surgery. The current study analyzes the outcome and mortality of patients admitted to an intensive care unit following PJI. Retrospective analysis of all patients treated between 2012 and 2016 due to PJI in the surgical intensive care unit of a university hospital. A total of 124 patients were included. The mean age was 75 ± 11years. Of those 124 patients, 85 patients (68.5%) suffered a prosthetic infection of the hip, 33 patients (27.3%) of the knee, six patients (4.8%) of hip and knee. 52 patients were male (40.9%). The assessed mean Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPSII) was 29.6 ± 5.9. The mortality rate was 21% (26/124). Of surviving patients, 53.1% were discharged home, 25.5% were transferred to a nursing home, and 21.4% were transferred to a geriatric rehabilitation center. Comparing survivors to non-survivors, the non-survivor group showed a higher incidence of renal replacement therapy (46.1 vs 3.0%; p < 0.01), higher SAPSII on admission (35.7 vs. 29.0; p = 0.01) and higher Charlson Comorbidity Indices (CCI) (5.5 vs. 2.82; p < 0.01). The multivariate regression identified CCI (odds ratio 1.49; p < 0.01) and renal replacement therapy (odds ratio 12.4; p < 0.01) as independent risk factors for increased mortality. Admission to an intensive care unit was associated with a mortality rate of 21%. Factors associated with poor outcomes included renal replacement therapy, higher admission SAPII scores, and higher admission Charlson comorbidity index. These factors could be used for individual risk assessment on admission to the ICU.

Initial functional recovery as a measure for rehabilitation outcome in post-acute hip fractured patients

The assessment of immediate functional change after hip fracture surgery may assist in predicting rehabilitation outcome and improve program efficiency. To evaluate the potential of the initial functional recovery measure in predicting rehabilitation outcome of hip fractured patients. Retrospective cohort study. Post-acute geriatric rehabilitation center. A total of 630 hip fractured patients admitted from 1/2016-6/2019. The initial functional recovery, a measure of functional change from the time of surgery to rehabilitation was calculated for each patient. The association between initial functional recovery and clinical and demographic variables was assessed by the Mann-Whitney and chi-square tests. A multiple linear regression model evaluated the association between initial functional recovery and the discharge functional independence measure score. Regression analysis estimated the association between initial functional recovery and the achievement of a favorable outcome measure. A good correlations were found between initial functional recovery and rehabilitation outcomes but not length of stay (p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that after adjustment for potential confounding variables, the higher the initial functional recovery, the better the discharge functional independence measure score (r2 = 0.783; p < 0.001). Logistic regression revealed that a high initial functional recovery was significantly associated with a higher probability of achieving a favorable functional gain (OR = 1.093; 95% CI = 1.04-1.15, P < 0.001). Initial functional recovery is a good predictor of rehabilitation outcomes in hip fractured patients, and may be utilized in decision-making regarding the rehabilitation program in addition to coordinating expectations with patients and their caregivers.

The Association Between Antipsychotic Drug Use and Rehabilitation Outcome in Post-Acute Hip Fractured Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Antipsychotic (AP) use may lead to numerous side effects which may affect rehabilitation outcomes. A retrospective cohort study was carried out on 448 hip fractured patients admitted to a post-acute geriatric rehabilitation center. Functional improvement was measured by the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), motor FIM (mFIM), and mFIM effectiveness. A multiple linear regression model and regression analysis was used to evaluate the level of association between AP use and achievement of favorable functional gain. AP users exhibited lower functional ability on admission and at discharge, achieved a significantly lower functional gain and required longer rehabilitation time compared with nonusers. AP use by post-acute hip fractured patients negatively affects their chances of achieving favorable rehabilitation outcome after adjustment for confounders.

\u201cWhat would you like to achieve?\u201d Goal-Setting in Patients with Dementia in Geriatric Rehabilitation

BackgroundSetting meaningful, individualized rehabilitation goals is an essential part of the rehabilitation process. Even though patients with dementia are a drastically increasing patient group in geriatric rehabilitation, empirical data about meaningful rehabilitation goals and collaborative goal-setting in this target group is missing. Cognitive impairment and lack of insight in current deficits have been discussed as barriers for participation in goal-setting, but require empirical examination.This study investigated the feasibility of a semi-structured versus a structured goal-setting approach and the types of goals, rehabilitation patients with mild to moderate dementia perceive as personally relevant. Insights in acute functional and motor deficits, differentiated by cognitive status were explored.MethodsCohort study in a geriatric rehabilitation center. Semi-structured and ICF-based, structured interviews were applied to explore patients` rehabilitation goals. Patients` insight in deficits was operationalized as the relationship of self-ratings and objective measures of linked clinical assessments for the same functional construct.ResultsPatients (n = 101, MMSE 22 ± 2.6, age 83.9 ± 5.9 years) stated the improvement of mobility-related functions and self-care activities (> 70%) but also psychological well-being such as handling stress or mood (> 38%) as most important rehabilitation goals. The structured interview facilitated goal-setting and provided a broader view of rehabilitation needs. Correlations between self-ratings and clinical assessments were medium to high (rho = 0.29 to 0.83) with highest associations for key motor features. Trend tests identified a significant trend between values of the clinical assessment and categories of self-ratings (p ≤ 0.01) with lower cognitive status derogating this relationship.ConclusionsCollaborative goal-setting was feasible, especially when supported by a structured approach and yielded a large spectrum of functional but also psychological rehabilitation needs from the patients` perspective. Patients showed sustained insight in their actual functional impairments, limited in a subgroup of patients with more advanced cognitive impairment.

Association between anticholinergic drug prescription changes and rehabilitation outcome in post-acute hip fractured patients

Purpose: To follow changes in anticholinergic drug prescriptions throughout hip fractured patients’ rehabilitation; to assess whether a change in anticholinergic burden affects rehabilitation outcome.Methods: Retrospective study of 869 hip fractured patients admitted between January 2011 to October 2015, performed in a post-acute geriatric rehabilitation center. The Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Scale quantified the anticholinergic burden. Main outcome measures: Functional Independence Measure, motor Functional Independence Measure, Montebello Rehabilitation Factor Score on motor Functional Independence Measure and length of stay. Multiple linear regression analysis tested for independent association between admission anticholinergic burden and anticholinergic burden change during rehabilitation, and rehabilitation outcomes.Results: One hundred and sixty two (18.7%) patients were prescribed additional anticholinergic medications upon discharge; 76 (8.7%) were prescribed fewer. Patients with high admission anticholinergic burden presented with a significantly higher rate of higher education, less likely to reside at home, less independent pre-fracture, exhibited a significantly lower admission and discharge Functional Independence Measure score, a lower Functional Independence Measure score change and a lower Montebello Rehabilitation Factor Score. Admission anticholinergic burden, but not changes in anticholinergic burden during rehabilitation, was found to be independently associated with rehabilitation outcome (discharge FIM score).Conclusions: High admission anticholinergic burden is associated with lower functional ability in hip fractured patients. Changes in anticholinergic drug prescription during rehabilitation were not associated with rehabilitation outcomes.Implications for rehabilitationClinicians should make an effort to reduce AC drug use in hip fractured patients on admission to post-acute rehabilitation.AC burden should be carefully monitored throughout the rehabilitation period and reduced whenever possible.When functional ability does not improve as expected, AC burden should be considered as an intervening factor.

Stability of extracapsular hip fracture: Does it affect rehabilitation outcome of post-acute patients?

Various factors have been shown to affect rehabilitation outcome of hip fractured patients. The degree of extracapsular fracture stability may also affect functional recovery. The aim of our study was to assess the relationship between extracapsular hip fracture stability and rehabilitation outcome in a post-acute setting. A retrospective cohort study of 144 hip fractured patients was carried out in a post-acute geriatric rehabilitation center from 1/2014 to 6/2015. The main outcome measures were the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) instrument, motor FIM (mFIM), Montebello Rehabilitation Factor Score (MRFS) on the mFIM and length of stay (LOS). The associations between patients with stable vs. unstable and clinical, demographic and comorbidity variables, were assessed by the Mann–Whitney U and Chi 2 tests. A multiple linear regression model was used to estimate the association between fracture stability and LOS score after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and chronic diseases ( P = 0.009). Rehabilitation outcomes (FIM and mFIM score changes, mFIM MRFS) were found independent of extracapsular hip fracture stability. Patients with an unstable fracture presented with a significantly longer LOS compared with a stable fracture ( P = 0.008). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that fracture stability was significantly associated with LOS after adjustment for confounding demographic, clinical and functional variables ( P = 0.009). Patients with unstable extracapsular hip fractures may require a prolonged rehabilitation period in order to achieve the same functional gain as patients with stable fractures.

Stability of extracapsular hip fracture: Does it affect rehabilitation outcome of post-acute patients?

BackgroundVarious factors have been shown to affect rehabilitation outcome of hip fractured patients. The degree of extracapsular fracture stability may also affect functional recovery. The aim of our study was to assess the relationship between extracapsular hip fracture stability and rehabilitation outcome in a post-acute setting. MethodsA retrospective cohort study of 144 hip fractured patients was carried out in a post-acute geriatric rehabilitation center from 1/2014 to 6/2015. The main outcome measures were the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) instrument, motor FIM (mFIM), Montebello Rehabilitation Factor Score (MRFS) on the mFIM and length of stay (LOS). The associations between patients with stable vs. unstable and clinical, demographic and comorbidity variables, were assessed by the Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests. A multiple linear regression model was used to estimate the association between fracture stability and LOS score after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and chronic diseases. ResultsRehabilitation outcomes (FIM and mFIM score changes, mFIM MRFS) were found independent of extracapsular hip fracture stability. Patients with an unstable fracture presented with a significantly longer LOS compared with a stable fracture (p = .008). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that fracture stability was significantly associated with LOS after adjustment for confounding demographic, clinical and functional variables (p = .009). ConclusionPatients with unstable extracapsular hip fractures may require a prolonged rehabilitation period in order to achieve the same functional gain as patients with stable fractures.

The Association between Anticholinergic Drug Use and Rehabilitation Outcome in Post-Acute Hip Fractured Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Anticholinergic (AC) drugs are associated with significant impairment in cognitive and physical function which may affect rehabilitation in older people. We aimed to evaluate whether AC burden is associated with rehabilitation achievement in post-acute hip-fractured patients. A retrospective cohort study carried out in a post-acute geriatric rehabilitation center on 1019 hip-fractured patients admitted from January 2011 to October 2015. The Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Scale (ACB) was used to quantify the AC burden. Main outcome measures included the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) instrument, motor FIM (mFIM), Montebello Rehabilitation Factor Score (MRFS) on the mFIM, and length of stay (LOS). The study population was divided into two groups: individuals with low admission AC burden (ACB≤1) and those with high admission AC burden (ACB≥2). The relationship between the admission AC burden and clinical, demographic and comorbidity variables was assessed using the Mann-Whitney and Chi square tests. A multiple linear regression model was used to estimate the association between admission AC burden and discharge FIM score after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and chronic diseases. Patients with a high admission AC burden had a significantly higher rate of high education, a significantly lower rate reside at home, they waited a longer period of time from surgery to rehabilitation, were less independent pre-fracture, and presented with a higher rate of vascular disorders and depression compared with patients with a lower admission AC burden. These patients also exhibited a significantly lower FIM score on admission and at discharge, a lower FIM score change, and a lower achievement on the MRFS compared with patients with a lower admission AC burden. A multiple linear regression analysis showed that admission AC burden was significantly associated with the discharge FIM score after adjustment for confounding variables. High admission AC drug burden is significantly associated with less favorable discharge functional status in post-acute hip-fractured patients, independent of relevant risk factors.