Psychogeriatric ward for mentally disturbed elderly patients

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Psychiatry
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Elderly patients with severe mental disturbances often require specialized care beyond general hospital wards or home settings.
• The establishment of dedicated psychogeriatric units is crucial for managing complex patient needs.
• Geriatric hospitals can serve as suitable locations for specialized psychiatric care for the elderly.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the operational model and outcomes of a special psychogeriatric ward.
• To assess the demand for and adequacy of specialized care for mentally disturbed elderly patients.
• To evaluate patient management, transfer rates, and mortality within the unit.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of patient admissions and treatment over a 4.5-year period.
• Analysis of bed capacity, admission reasons (including emergencies), and patient transfers.
• Involvement of a consultant geriatrician and general trained nursing staff.

Main Results:

• The 23-bed psychogeriatric ward admitted 600 patients over 4.5 years, with half being emergency admissions.
• The bed capacity was adequate to meet patient demand.
• High mortality rates were observed due to severe co-existing illnesses in elderly patients.

Conclusions:

• The specialized psychogeriatric ward provided effective treatment for elderly patients with mental disturbances.
• The unit successfully managed patients, minimizing transfers to psychiatric hospitals.
• Despite challenges with high mortality, the nursing staff found the work stimulating and rewarding.