BACKGROUND: The rehabilitation of older patients in Ireland after an acute medical event occurs at dedicated onsite hospital units or at offsite centres. Information on medical complications and outcomes is inadequate. AIMS: Enumeration of medical complications of patients admitted to a dedicated onsite rehabilitation unit for older people, and the extent of co-morbidity in the population with the effects that this had on the evolution of medical complications. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients admitted to a 58-bed onsite unit over a 1-year period was performed. Information collating co-morbidities, medical complications and functional outcomes was recorded. RESULTS: Medical complications occurred in almost 95% of patients, where full data were available. Over one-third required intravenous therapy. CONCLUSION: Twenty-four hour medical cover is required for older patients managed at onsite rehabilitation units. Further studies on offsite medical rehabilitation facilities for older patients are required.
BACKGROUND: The rehabilitation of older patients in Ireland after an acute medical event occurs at dedicated onsite hospital units or at offsite centres. Information on medical complications and outcomes is inadequate. AIMS: Enumeration of medical complications of patients admitted to a dedicated onsite rehabilitation unit for older people, and the extent of co-morbidity in the population with the effects that this had on the evolution of medical complications. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients admitted to a 58-bed onsite unit over a 1-year period was performed. Information collating co-morbidities, medical complications and functional outcomes was recorded. RESULTS: Medical complications occurred in almost 95% of patients, where full data were available. Over one-third required intravenous therapy. CONCLUSION: Twenty-four hour medical cover is required for older patients managed at onsite rehabilitation units. Further studies on offsite medical rehabilitation facilities for older patients are required.
Authors: Katleen Van Craen; Tom Braes; Nathalie Wellens; Kris Denhaerynck; Johan Flamaing; Philip Moons; Steven Boonen; Christiane Gosset; Jean Petermans; Koen Milisen Journal: J Am Geriatr Soc Date: 2009-12-09 Impact factor: 5.562
Authors: Juan J Baztán; Francisco M Suárez-García; Jesús López-Arrieta; Leocadio Rodríguez-Mañas; Fernando Rodríguez-Artalejo Journal: BMJ Date: 2009-01-22