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A nursing-driven program to preserve and restore functional ability in hospitalized elderly patients
1North York Branson Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The Journal of Nursing Administration
|April 1, 1995
Summary
This study highlights the risks of hospitalization for older adults. A six-bed geriatric assessment and rehabilitation unit was successfully created and run by nurses with limited resources.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Hospital Administration
- Nursing Management
Background:
- Hospitalization poses significant risks for the elderly population.
- There is a need for specialized geriatric care within community hospitals.
- Existing resources often limit the implementation of new geriatric programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the development and implementation of a novel geriatric assessment and rehabilitation module.
- To demonstrate the feasibility of establishing such a unit with minimal additional resources.
- To highlight the autonomous management and evaluation capabilities of nursing staff in geriatric care.
Main Methods:
- Establishment of a six-bed geriatric assessment and rehabilitation module.
- Procurement of clinical nurse specialist consultative services.
- Autonomous program development, implementation, management, and evaluation by nursing staff.
Main Results:
- Successful creation and operation of a specialized geriatric care unit.
- Demonstration of a cost-effective model utilizing existing resources and external consultation.
- Nursing staff successfully managed all aspects of the interdisciplinary program.
Conclusions:
- Geriatric assessment and rehabilitation modules can be successfully implemented in community hospitals.
- Nursing staff can autonomously develop, manage, and evaluate specialized geriatric programs.
- Innovative resource utilization, including consultative services, can facilitate geriatric care expansion.