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Updated: May 2, 2026

Assessment of Dependence in Activities of Daily Living Among Older Patients in an Acute Care Unit
Published on: September 30, 2020
[Elderly patients are at high risk from hospital-acquired infection]
Michael Kemp1, Hanne Holt, Anette Holm
1Klinisk Mikrobiologisk Afdeling, Odense Universitetshospital, Sdr. Boulevard 29, 5000 Odense C. michael.kemp@rsyd.dk
Abstract:
Hospital-acquired infections cause considerable morbidity and mortality in elderly patients and burden the individual patient as well as the economy of society. Although these infections are linked to biological factors in elderly patients, there is a potential for increased prevention efforts. Changes in antibiotic policy and organisational tasks can reduce the spread of drug resistant bacteria causing serious nosocomial infections. Transmission of pathogens from hospitals to nursing homes and vice versa poses a particular challenge when dealing with elderly colonized or infected patients.
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