Implementation of Function Focused Care for Acute Care Using the Evidence Integration Triangle

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Clinical Nursing
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Hospitalized patients with dementia often experience functional decline.
• Acute care settings present challenges in maintaining patient function.
• Evidence Integration Triangle framework guides care interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of Function Focused Care for Acute Care Using the Evidence Integration Triangle (FFC-AC-EIT) on hospitalized dementia patients.
• To assess FFC-AC-EIT's effect on function, physical activity, pain, behavioral symptoms, and delirium.

Main Methods:

• Clustered randomized clinical trial across 12 hospitals.
• 455 hospitalized patients with dementia participated.
• Intervention group received FFC-AC-EIT; control group received FFC Education Only.

Main Results:

• The intervention group experienced a smaller increase in pain at discharge compared to the control group.
• Significant improvements in function and physical activity were observed at 1 month post-discharge for the intervention group.
• No significant group differences were found in behavioral symptoms or delirium.

Conclusions:

• Function Focused Care interventions in acute settings can help maintain and improve function and physical activity in older adults with dementia.
• This approach may facilitate continued functional gains after hospital discharge.
• Evidence-based care strategies are crucial for managing dementia patients in acute care.