Physical function decline predictors in nursing home residents using new national quality indicators

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Geriatric Medicine
• Long-term Care Quality

Background:

• Physical function (PF) decline is a significant concern for nursing home residents, impacting quality of life and care needs.
• Identifying predictors of PF decline is crucial for developing targeted interventions and improving care quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the predictors of physical function decline among nursing home residents.
• To evaluate the utility of the Long-term care Information system For Evidence (LIFE) in identifying these predictors.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of data from 1648 nursing home residents in Japan using the LIFE system.
• Assessment of demographics, physical function (Barthel Index), nutrition, oral health, and cognitive function.
• Mixed-effects logistic regression used to identify predictors of PF decline (defined as a decrease ≥5 in BI score).

Main Results:

• 45.3% of residents experienced physical function decline.
• Significant predictors included advanced age (≥90 years), low body mass index (<18.5 kg/m²), dementia diagnosis, moderate to severe cognitive impairment, and specific behavioral indicators.
• High physical function at baseline was also a predictor of decline.

Conclusions:

• The Long-term care Information system For Evidence (LIFE) effectively identified predictors of physical function decline in nursing home residents.
• LIFE data holds potential for monitoring and enhancing the quality of long-term care.