Recognizing hospital-acquired disability among older adults

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Geriatric Medicine
• Nursing Science

Background:

• Hospitalized older adults have a high incidence of new-onset disability by discharge.
• This functional decline elevates risks for adverse outcomes including readmission, institutionalization, and mortality.
• Acute care settings present a confluence of modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors for functional impairment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the critical role of nurses in mitigating hospital-acquired functional decline in older adults.
• To identify barriers hindering effective nursing interventions for preventing disability in hospitalized elderly patients.
• To encourage nursing innovation in addressing the prevalent issue of hospital-acquired disability.

Main Methods:

• The abstract discusses the importance of nurses assessing functional decline risk using standardized tools.
• It emphasizes the need for evidence-based interventions to treat identified risks.
• Barriers and obstacles to implementing these strategies are reviewed.

Main Results:

• A significant proportion (one-third) of hospitalized older adults develop new disabilities.
• Existing evidence for specific functional assessment tools and interventions remains limited.
• Tacit acceptance of decline and resource limitations impede progress.

Conclusions:

• Nurses are essential in preventing hospital-acquired disability through risk assessment and intervention.
• Overcoming barriers like lack of evidence and resources is crucial for improving geriatric care.
• Innovation is needed to combat the widespread problem of functional decline in hospitalized older adults.