[Documentation and computer-assisted evaluation of basic data in a geriatric clinic]

We analyzed data of our clinic by a computer program for discharge letters developed by us. Structure of patients, types of diseases, and success in rehabilitation were recorded. The average age of our patients was 80 years. The biggest group have been the 80-85 years old ones. Two-thirds have been female. Our department is divided into three sections. Admissions made to the section treating patients with acute diseases were made in two-thirds of the cases from surgeries and in one-third from accidents. The section where patients are rehabilitated received only patients who had been admitted before. Two-thirds of them were suffering from surgical diseases (especially orthopedic/traumatic problems). One-third from medical or neurological diseases--especially stroke. In the section for long-term treatment we transferred patients with chronic diseases, mainly from our own sections for acute care and rehabilitation. Twenty percent came from other departments and other hospitals. Discharge: Fifty-one percent of patients treated in the section for acute care were discharged. More than one-fourth were transferred to the section for long-term treatment. Thirteen percent died. Two-thirds of the rehabilitated patients were discharged home. Sixteen percent were treated long-term; about seven percent died. From our section for long-term treatment one-third of the patients were discharged home. Nineteen percent were discharged to nursing homes or other homes for seniors. Forty-one percent died. Younger patients could more likely be discharged without home nursing care and to a household with other members. More than fifty percent of patients of 80 years and older lived alone and required homecare.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)