Hyo Jung Lee1,2, Yeong Jun Ju1,2, Eun-Cheol Park1,3, Juyeong Kim1,2, Sang Gyu Lee1,4. 1. Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea. 2. Department of Public Health, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea. 3. Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea. 4. Department of Hospital Management, Graduate School of Public Health, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Abstract
Background: The risk of pressure ulcers in beneficiaries of long-term care insurance is expected to increase in South Korea's aging society. However, those who stay at home may not be managed appropriately with regard to pressure ulcer development. Here, we examined the relationship between home-visit nursing services and hospitalization related to pressure ulcers among beneficiaries with pressure ulcers in home-care settings. Methods: We analyzed National Aging Cohort data from 2008 to 2013. The study population was defined as those who required nursing care for pressure ulcers and received home-care services at least once under long-term care insurance. Logistic regression analysis using generalized estimating equation models was performed to examine the association between home-visit nursing services and hospitalization related to pressure ulcers. Results: Among 4,807 beneficiaries with pressure ulcers, 859 (17.9%) were admitted to hospitals during the study period. The use of home-visit nursing services was associated significantly with a lower risk of hospitalization (odds ratio = 0.68, 95% confidence interval = 0.49-0.93; reference, no use). This association was especially strong in beneficiaries with mildly impaired mobility and cognitive function. Conclusions: Given the protective role of home-visit nursing services in the management of long-term care insurance beneficiaries with pressure ulcers who stay at home, healthcare professionals need to consider effective strategies for the activation of home-visit nursing services in South Korea.
Background: The risk of pressure ulcers in beneficiaries of long-term care insurance is expected to increase in South Korea's aging society. However, those who stay at home may not be managed appropriately with regard to pressure ulcer development. Here, we examined the relationship between home-visit nursing services and hospitalization related to pressure ulcers among beneficiaries with pressure ulcers in home-care settings. Methods: We analyzed National Aging Cohort data from 2008 to 2013. The study population was defined as those who required nursing care for pressure ulcers and received home-care services at least once under long-term care insurance. Logistic regression analysis using generalized estimating equation models was performed to examine the association between home-visit nursing services and hospitalization related to pressure ulcers. Results: Among 4,807 beneficiaries with pressure ulcers, 859 (17.9%) were admitted to hospitals during the study period. The use of home-visit nursing services was associated significantly with a lower risk of hospitalization (odds ratio = 0.68, 95% confidence interval = 0.49-0.93; reference, no use). This association was especially strong in beneficiaries with mildly impaired mobility and cognitive function. Conclusions: Given the protective role of home-visit nursing services in the management of long-term care insurance beneficiaries with pressure ulcers who stay at home, healthcare professionals need to consider effective strategies for the activation of home-visit nursing services in South Korea.