Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026

Assessment of Dependence in Activities of Daily Living Among Older Patients in an Acute Care Unit
Published on: September 30, 2020
Outcomes of a behavioral unit in an acute aged care service
1Southcare,126 Kareena Rd, Miranda, NSW 2228, Australia. peter.gonski@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au
Abstract:
This study involves a retrospective review of the patients admitted to a unit providing specialized management to patients displaying difficult behaviors due to delirium and/or dementia. Medical records from 45 consecutive admissions have been reviewed. A great proportion of patients had dementia with superimposed delirium. Compared to care in general aged care wards, there was no reduction in length of stay (LOS) of patients in this study, ostensibly due to the delayed placement for long-term care. However there was a marked reduction in fall incidence and lesser use of 'specials'. Psychotropic medications (PMs) were frequently used but their indications were carefully reviewed. Upon discharge there was improvement in the behavioral profile of the patients. Questionnaires completed by carers and staff were used to further assess the efficacy of the unit. There was general satisfaction of the care provided in the unit whist a few areas have been identified that require further attention. This model of intervention presents an improvement to the quality of care for acutely ill elderly patients with behavioral problems.
Related Concept Videos
Operant Conditioning Intervention
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
Guidelines for Writing Outcome
Patient outcomes reflect the patient's response to the goal rather than what the nurse aims to achieve. Terminology should be observable and measurable to avoid the reader's interpretation. The desired outcome should be realistic and achievable in the designated care timeframe. Expected outcomes should align with adjunctive therapies. The outcome should enhance care evaluation by...
Restorative Care
Behavior Modification
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
Nursing Evaluation
Section...
Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Long-Term Care Facilities