Rose McCloskey1. 1. Department of Nursing, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. rmcclosk@unbsj.ca
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Geriatric Rehabilitation Units (GRUs) have been established to restore functional abilities of older hospitalized patients. Although considerable health care resources have been allocated to these units, few outcome-based research studies have been reported on Canadian GRUs. AIM: The aim of this paper is to report a study examining the effect of admission to a GRU on changes in patients' functional ability and self-efficacy in performing everyday activities at home. METHODS: Following Institutional Review Board approval, data were collected from 40 patients age 65-101 years (mean 83.8, sd 6.57) admitted to a 21-bed interdisciplinary GRUs over a 7-month period. All were living independently prior to hospital admission. Data were collected on admission to the unit and on discharge using two instruments: the Functional Independence Measure and Falls Efficacy Scale. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements were found in functional ability and self-efficacy following admission to the GRUs. CONCLUSIONS: Although functional level and feelings of self-efficacy on admission to the unit were at levels which may have prevented participants from returning home, the majority were discharged to the community. Results suggest that admission to a GRU helps prepare patients to return to community living.
BACKGROUND: Geriatric Rehabilitation Units (GRUs) have been established to restore functional abilities of older hospitalized patients. Although considerable health care resources have been allocated to these units, few outcome-based research studies have been reported on Canadian GRUs. AIM: The aim of this paper is to report a study examining the effect of admission to a GRU on changes in patients' functional ability and self-efficacy in performing everyday activities at home. METHODS: Following Institutional Review Board approval, data were collected from 40 patients age 65-101 years (mean 83.8, sd 6.57) admitted to a 21-bed interdisciplinary GRUs over a 7-month period. All were living independently prior to hospital admission. Data were collected on admission to the unit and on discharge using two instruments: the Functional Independence Measure and Falls Efficacy Scale. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements were found in functional ability and self-efficacy following admission to the GRUs. CONCLUSIONS: Although functional level and feelings of self-efficacy on admission to the unit were at levels which may have prevented participants from returning home, the majority were discharged to the community. Results suggest that admission to a GRU helps prepare patients to return to community living.
Authors: Irma H J Everink; Jolanda C M van Haastregt; Sofie J M van Hoof; Jos M G A Schols; Gertrudis I J M Kempen Journal: BMC Geriatr Date: 2016-01-12 Impact factor: 3.921
Authors: Irma H J Everink; Jolanda C M van Haastregt; Silvia M A A Evers; Gertrudis I J M Kempen; Jos M G A Schols Journal: PLoS One Date: 2018-02-28 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Irma H J Everink; Jolanda C M van Haastregt; Frans E S Tan; Jos M G A Schols; Gertrudis I J M Kempen Journal: BMC Geriatr Date: 2018-11-16 Impact factor: 3.921