J Korean Acad Nurs.  2011 Dec;41(6):780-787. 10.4040/jkan.2011.41.6.780.

Factors Impacting the Physical Function of Older Adults in Korean Long-Term Care Hospitals

• Lee JY
• Kim EY
• Cho E

• KMID: 1120110
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2011.41.6.780

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was conducted to examine activities of daily living (ADL) of older adults admitted to Korean long-term care hospitals (LTCHs), and to explore the patient and organizational factors that have an impact on the ADL of this population.
METHODS
A secondary analysis of the Korean minimum data set (K-MDS) of patients (N=14,369) and of the profiles of LTCHs (N=358) from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service was done between January and July 2008. The outcome variable was ADL score 6 months after baseline assessment. Multi-level linear regression was employed to explore the patient and organizational factors that affected ADL scores.
RESULTS
Of the patients, 45.4% had a baseline ADL score of between 31 and 40, with a score of 40 indicating that the patient was entirely dependent for all items. None of the organizational characteristics were significantly associated with effects on the ADLs of older adults who had been in a LTHC for at least 6 months. However, patient characteristics, such as age, baseline ADL, frequency of physical therapy, urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, pressure ulcers, and having a tube or catheter, were significantly associated with ADL 6 months after baseline.
CONCLUSION
In order to maintain and improve the ADL of older adults in LTCHs, we should develop strategies to prevent urinary and fecal incontinence, pressure ulcers, unnecessary tubes or catheters, providing adequate physical therapy. Additional studies should include more detailed information regarding nursing staff, including RN hours for direct care, education level and turnover.

Keyword

Activities of daily living; Long-term care; Nursing staff

MeSH Terms

*Activities of Daily Living
Age Factors
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Catheterization
Fecal Incontinence
Female
Hospitals/*statistics & numerical data
Humans
Long-Term Care
Male
Pressure Ulcer
Republic of Korea
Urinary Incontinence

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