Journal
AGE AND AGEING
Volume 42, Issue 5, Pages 582-588Publisher
OXFORD UNIV PRESS
DOI: 10.1093/ageing/aft074
Keywords
older people; mental health; general hospital; outcome
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Funding
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) [RP-PG-0407-10147]
- National Institute for Health Research [RP-PG-0407-10147] Funding Source: researchfish
- National Institutes of Health Research (NIHR) [RP-PG-0407-10147] Funding Source: National Institutes of Health Research (NIHR)
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Methods: a follow-up study of 250 patients aged over 70 admitted to 1 of 12 wards (geriatric, medical or orthopaedic) of an English acute general hospital with a co-morbid mental health problem and followed up at 180 days. Results: twenty-seven per cent did not return to their original place of residence after the hospital admission. After 180 days 31% had died, 42% had been readmitted and 24% of community residents had moved to a care home. Only 31% survived without being readmitted or moving to a care home. However, 16% spent > 170 of the 180 days at home. Significant predictors for poor outcomes were co-morbidity, nutrition, cognitive function, reduction in activities of daily living ability prior to admission, behavioural and psychiatric problems and depression. Only 42% of survivors recovered to their pre-acute illness level of function. Clinically significant behavioural and psychiatric symptoms were present at follow-up in 71% of survivors with baseline cognitive impairment, and new symptoms developed frequently in this group. Conclusions: the variable, but often adverse, outcomes in this group implies a wide range of health and social care needs. Community and acute services to meet these needs should be anticipated and provided for.
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