Physical function decline predictors in nursing home residents using new national quality indicators

Aim To determine the predictors of physical function (PF) decline among nursing home residents using items from the Long-term care Information system For Evidence (LIFE), a system launched in 2021 to ensure the quality of long-term care.Methods The LIFE data of 1648 residents from 45 nursing homes in Japan were retrospectively collected in July 2021 (T0) and January 2022 (T1), including demographics, PF assessed by the Barthel index (BI), nutrition and oral health, and cognitive function. The Dementia Behavior Disturbance scale was used to assess the frequency of certain behaviors, such as waking at midnight. The predictors of PF decline, defined as a decrease >= 5 in the BI score at T1 compared with that at T0, were determined using mixed-effects logistic regression analyses. PF at T0 was classified into high (>60 BI) and low (<= 60 BI) groups.Results The participants' mean age was 87.2 +/- 7.1 years, and 45.3% experienced PF decline. The significant predictors of PF decline were age >= 90 years, body mass index <18.5 kg/m(2), dementia diagnosis, moderate and severe cognitive impairments, not vocalizing reciprocal exchanges at will, always waking at midnight, and high PF at T0.Conclusions The LIFE items predicted PF decline among nursing home residents, suggesting that LIFE data can be used to ensure the quality of long-term care.

Automated summary

The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of physical function decline among nursing home residents using the Long-term care Information system For Evidence (LIFE). The study found that age, body mass index, dementia diagnosis, and cognitive impairments were significant predictors of physical function decline.