[Acute geriatric treatment of older trauma patients : Influence on mobility, autonomy and postdischarge destination].

BACKGROUND

Acute geriatric treatment is a type of early rehabilitation for hospitalized seniors to maintain personal autonomy and to avoid nursing home placement.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to describe the changes of mobility and functional independence of older trauma patients during acute geriatric treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study analyzed admission and discharge assessment data from 164 patients in the geriatric department with fall-related injuries. Mobility and performance in activities of daily living were assessed using the short physical performance battery (SPPB), gait speed and Barthel index. We analyzed changes in mobility from admission to discharge (t-test) and examined differences in mobility between patients returning home and those admitted to long-term care (age-adjusted and gender-adjusted linear regression model).

RESULTS

Patients improved their mobility measured by the SPPB by 1.8 points ± 2.1 points, gait speed by 0.10 ± 0.14 m/s and the Barthel index by 13 ± 16 points, all p < 0.001). The number of patients not able to walk decreased from 43% to 14% (p = 0.003). Of the community-dwelling patients 73% were discharged either directly back home or after rehabilitation outside the hospital as a transitional solution.

CONCLUSION

In the context of acute geriatric treatment older trauma patients significantly improved their mobility and performance. The majority of patients could return home.