Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Assessment of Dependence in Activities of Daily Living Among Older Patients in an Acute Care Unit
Published on: September 30, 2020
A prospective study of unmet activity of daily living needs in palliative care inpatients
Lalitha Jeyasingam1, Meera Agar, Michael Soares
1Department of Palliative and Supportive Services, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia.
Aim:
To define the unmet needs of activities of daily living as defined by patients and caregivers in a palliative care inpatient unit.
Methods:
A cross-sectional prevalence study of a convenience cohort of a dyad of patient/caregiver. Functional status and unment needs were assessed. Agreement between respondents was analysed.
Results:
Caregivers identified significantly more unmet needs than patients (2.5 vs 2.5; p = 0.03). Areas of unmet need included mobility, leisure and bathing.
Conclusion:
Routine screening for unmet needs in function should be part of all inpatient palliative care assessments.
Related Concept Videos
Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Long-Term Care Facilities
Continuing Care
Planning Nursing Care I
Restorative Care