Care home versus hospital and own home environments for rehabilitation of older people

Geriatric home-based rehabilitation in Australia: Preliminary data from an inpatient bed-substitution model

Background

The REStORing health of acutely unwell adulTs (RESORT) is an observational longitudinal cohort, including geriatric rehabilitation inpatients aged ≥65 years admitted to a geriatrician‐led rehabilitation service at a tertiary hospital. The aim of this study is to describe a home‐based bed‐substitution rehabilitation model for geriatric inpatients, including patient phenotype, and health outcomes at preadmission, admission, discharge, and three‐month follow‐up.

Methods

A standardized Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment was performed on admission and discharge, including demographics (home situation, cognitive impairment, medical diagnoses, etc.), frailty (Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS)), mobility (patient‐reported and Functional Ambulation Classification), physical performance (Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), handgrip strength), and functional independence (Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Instrumental ADL (IADL)). Service provision data (health care staff visits, length of stay (LOS), and negative events (e.g., falls)) were extracted from medical records. Three‐month outcomes included mobility, ADL and IADL scores, institutionalization, and mortality.

Results

Ninety‐two patients were included with a mean age of 81.1 ± 7.8 years, 56.5% female. Twenty‐nine (31.5%) patients lived alone, 39 (42.4%) had cognitive impairment and the commonest geriatric rehabilitation admission reason was falls (n = 30, 32.6%). Patients received care from nurses, physicians, and a median of four (interquartile range (IQR) 3–6) allied health disciplines for a median LOS of 13.0 days (IQR 10.0–15.0). On a population level, patient mobility and functional independence worsened from preadmission to admission. CFS, SPPB, ADL, and IADL scores improved from admission to discharge, and seven (7.6%) patients fell. At three‐month follow‐up, patient‐reported mobility was comparable to preadmission baseline, but functional independence (ADL, IADL) scores worsened for 27/69 (39.1%) and 28/63 (44.4%), respectively.

Conclusions

Hospitalization‐associated decline in mobility and functional independence improved at discharge and three‐months, but was not fully reversed in the multidisciplinary home‐based geriatric rehabilitation bed‐substitution service. Future research should compare outcomes to equivalent hospital‐based geriatric rehabilitation and evaluate patient perspectives.

See related Editorial by William J. Hall in this issue.

The residual dentition among home-based older New Zealanders receiving living support

BACKGROUND

There have been no detailed descriptions of residual dentition patterns among older people living in the community.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the residual dentition and associated oral health-related quality of life among older New Zealanders living in their own homes with government-funded assistance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using nationally representative data, we determined the residual dentition arrangement and Kennedy classification for each dental arch. Individuals were categorised according to their maxillary-mandibular dental configuration and prosthesis use. Data were weighted to make the estimates generalisable to the source population.

RESULTS

Of the 895 clinically examined participants, 47.8% were dentate. One-quarter of those had maxillary tooth-bound saddles opposing a partially dentate mandible. Pasifika (people of Pacific Islands ethnicity) were most likely to have retained all of their dentition, while only the Māori ethnic group had no participants with a dentate arch. Only one in three of those with partially dentate upper and lower arches wore any maxillary denture; one in ten wore some form of mandibular denture. Partial dentures were common among those with an opposing edentulous jaw. Maxillary partial dentures were twice as common as their mandibular counterparts.

CONCLUSION

Residual dentition patterns in older people are diverse and complex, and meeting their prosthodontic needs is not straightforward.

Epidemiology and social costs of hip fracture

Hip fracture is an important and debilitating condition in older people, particularly in women. The epidemiological data varies between countries, but it is globally estimated that hip fractures will affect around 18% of women and 6% of men. Although the age-standardised incidence is gradually falling in many countries, this is far outweighed by the ageing of the population. Thus, the global number of hip fractures is expected to increase from 1.26 million in 1990 to 4.5 million by the year 2050. The direct costs associated with this condition are enormous since it requires a long period of hospitalisation and subsequent rehabilitation. Furthermore, hip fracture is associated with the development of other negative consequences, such as disability, depression, and cardiovascular diseases, with additional costs for society. In this review, we show the most recent epidemiological data regarding hip fracture, indicating the well-known risk factors and conditions that seem relevant for determining this condition. A specific part is dedicated to the social costs due to hip fracture. Although the costs of hip fracture are probably comparable to other common diseases with a high hospitalisation rate (e.g. cardiovascular disease), the other social costs (due to onset of new co-morbidities, sarcopenia, poor quality of life, disability and mortality) are probably greater.

Physical rehabilitation for older people in long-term care

BACKGROUND

The worldwide population is progressively ageing, with an expected increase in morbidity and demand for long-term care. Physical rehabilitation is beneficial in older people, but relatively little is known about effects on long-term care residents. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2009.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the benefits and harms of rehabilitation interventions directed at maintaining, or improving, physical function for older people in long-term care through the review of randomised and cluster randomised controlled trials.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the trials registers of the following Cochrane entities: the Stroke Group (May 2012), the Effective Practice and Organisation of Care Group (April 2012), and the Rehabilitation and Related Therapies Field (April 2012). In addition, we searched 20 relevant electronic databases, including the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library, 2009, Issue 4), MEDLINE (1966 to December 2009), EMBASE (1980 to December 2009), CINAHL (1982 to December 2009), AMED (1985 to December 2009), and PsycINFO (1967 to December 2009). We also searched trials and research registers and conference proceedings; checked reference lists; and contacted authors, researchers, and other relevant Cochrane entities. We updated our searches of electronic databases in 2011 and listed relevant studies as awaiting assessment.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised studies comparing a rehabilitation intervention designed to maintain or improve physical function with either no intervention or an alternative intervention in older people (over 60 years) who have permanent long-term care residency.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed risk of bias and extracted data. We contacted study authors for additional information. The primary outcome was function in activities of daily living. Secondary outcomes included exercise tolerance, strength, flexibility, balance, perceived health status, mood, cognitive status, fear of falling, and economic analyses. We investigated adverse effects, including death, morbidity, and other events. We synthesised estimates of the primary outcome with the mean difference; mortality data, with the risk ratio; and secondary outcomes, using vote-counting.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 67 trials, involving 6300 participants. Fifty-one trials reported the primary outcome, a measure of activities of daily living. The estimated effects of physical rehabilitation at the end of the intervention were an improvement in Barthel Index (0 to 100) scores of six points (95% confidence interval (CI) 2 to 11, P = 0.008, seven studies), Functional Independence Measure (0 to 126) scores of five points (95% CI -2 to 12, P = 0.1, four studies), Rivermead Mobility Index (0 to 15) scores of 0.7 points (95% CI 0.04 to 1.3, P = 0.04, three studies), Timed Up and Go test of five seconds (95% CI -9 to 0, P = 0.05, seven studies), and walking speed of 0.03 m/s (95% CI -0.01 to 0.07, P = 0.1, nine studies). Synthesis of secondary outcomes suggested there is a beneficial effect on strength, flexibility, and balance, and possibly on mood, although the size of any such effect is unknown. There was insufficient evidence of the effect on other secondary outcomes. Based on 25 studies (3721 participants), rehabilitation does not increase risk of mortality in this population (risk ratio 0.95, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.13). However, it is possible bias has resulted in overestimation of the positive effects of physical rehabilitation.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Physical rehabilitation for long-term care residents may be effective, reducing disability with few adverse events, but effects appear quite small and may not be applicable to all residents. There is insufficient evidence to reach conclusions about improvement sustainability, cost-effectiveness, or which interventions are most appropriate. Future large-scale trials are justified.

Rehabilitation for older people in long-term care

BACKGROUND

Examination of demographic trends indicates that the worldwide population is progressively ageing. It is expected that such longevity will be associated with an increase in morbidity and demand for long-term residential care. This review examines whether there is evidence that physical rehabilitation benefits older people in long-term care.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate physical rehabilitation interventions directed at improving physical function among older people in long-term care.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the trials registers of the following Cochrane entities: Stroke Group (searched March 2008), Effective Practice and Organisation of Care Group (searched August 2006) and the Rehabilitation and Related Therapies Field, (searched August 2006). In addition, we searched 17 relevant electronic databases including the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2007, Issue 3), MEDLINE (1966 to 1 October 2007), EMBASE (1980 to 1 October 2007), CINAHL (1982 to 1 October 2007), AMED (1985 to 1 October 2007), PsycINFO (1967 to 1 October 2007) and PEDro (searched 1 October 2007). We also searched trials and research registers and conference proceedings, checked reference lists, and contacted authors and researchers in the field and other relevant Cochrane entities.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised studies comparing a rehabilitation intervention designed to maintain or improve physical function with either no intervention or an alternative intervention in older people aged 60 years or over who have permanent long-term care residency.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. We contacted study authors for additional information.

MAIN RESULTS

Forty-nine trials involving 3611 participants were included. On average, 74 (range 12 to 468) participants were randomised into trials at baseline. Of studies which reported age, the overall mean age was 82 years (range of 69 to 89). Most interventions lasted less than 20 weeks, and comprised approximately three 30 to 45-minute group sessions per week. Twelve trials conducted post-intervention follow up (maximum one year). Most often a 'usual care' control group was used, but social activity and alternative interventions also featured. The primary outcome, daily activity restriction, was reported by 38 trials. A range of secondary outcomes are also reported.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Provision of physical rehabilitation interventions to long-term care residents is worthwhile and safe, reducing disability with few adverse events.Most trials reported improvement in physical condition. However, there is insufficient evidence to make recommendations about the best intervention, improvement sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

Disparities in stroke rehabilitation: results of a study in an integrated health system in northern California

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether there are disparities in postacute stroke rehabilitation based on type of stroke, race/ethnicity, sex/gender, age, socioeconomic status, geographic region, or service area referral patterns in a large integrated health system with multiple levels of care.

DESIGN

Cohort study tracking rehabilitation services for 365 days after acute hospitalization for a first stroke.

SETTING

The Northern California Kaiser Permanente Health System (approximately 3.3 million membership population)

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 11,119 patients hospitalized for acute stroke from 1996 to 2003. The cohort includes patients discharged from acute care after a stroke. Postacute care rehabilitation services were evaluated according to the level of care ever-received within the 365 days after discharge from acute care, including inpatient rehabilitation hospital (IRH), skilled nursing facility (SNF), home health and outpatient, or no rehabilitation services.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Service delivery.

RESULTS

Patients discharged to an IRH had longer lengths of stay in acute care. Patients with hemorrhagic stroke were less likely to be treated in an IRH. Patients whose highest level of rehabilitation was SNF were older and more likely to be women. After adjusting for age and other covariates, women were less likely to go to an IRH than men. Asian and black patients were more likely than white patients to be treated in an IRH or SNF. Also more likely to go to an IRH were patients from higher socioeconomic groups, from urban areas, and from geographic areas close to the regional rehabilitation hospital.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest variation in care delivery and extent of postacute care based on differences in patient demographics and geographic factors. Results also varied over time. Some minority populations in this cohort appeared to be more likely to receive IRH care, possibly because of disease severity, family support systems, cultural factors, or differences in referral patterns.

Challenges, benefits and weaknesses of intermediate care: results from five UK case study sites

The authors explore the views of practitioners and managers on the implementation of intermediate care for elderly people across England, including their perceptions of the challenges involved in its implementation, and their assessment of the main benefits and weaknesses of provision. Qualitative data were collected in five case study sites (English primary care trusts) via semistructured interviews (n = 61) and focus group discussions (n = 21) during 2003 to 2004. Interviewees included senior managers, intermediate care service managers, clinicians and health and social care staff involved in the delivery of intermediate care. The data were analysed thematically using an approach based on the 'framework' method. Workforce and funding shortages, poor joint working between health and social care agencies and lack of support/involvement on the part of the medical profession were identified as the main challenges to developing intermediate care. The perceived benefits of intermediate care for service-users included flexibility, patient centredness and the promotion of independence. The 'home-like' environment in which services were delivered was contrasted favourably with hospitals. Multidisciplinary teamworking and opportunities for role flexibility were identified as key benefits by staff. Insufficient capacity, problems of access and awareness at the interface between intermediate care and 'mainstream' services combined with poor co-ordination between intermediate care services emerged as the main weaknesses in current provision. Despite reported benefits for service-users and staff, the study indicates that intermediate care does not appear to be achieving its full potential for alleviating pressure within health and social care systems. The strengthening of capacity and workforce, improvements to whole systems working and the promotion of intermediate care among doctors and other referrers were identified as key future priorities.

Care home versus hospital and own home environments for rehabilitation of older people

BACKGROUND

Rehabilitation for older people has acquired an increasingly important profile for both policy-makers and service providers within health and social care agencies. This has generated an increased interest in the use of alternative care environments including care home environments. Yet, there appears to be limited evidence on which to base decisions.This review is the first update of the Cochrane review which was published in 2003.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effects of care home environments (e.g. nursing home, residential care home and nursing facilities) versus hospital environments and own home environments in the rehabilitation of older people.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care Specialised Register and Pending Folder, MEDLINE (1950 to March Week 3 2007), EMBASE (1980 to 2007 Week 13), CINAHL (1982 to March, Week 4, 2007), other databases and reference lists of relevant review articles were additionally reviewed. Date of most recent search: March 2007.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), controlled clinical trials (CCTs), controlled before and after studies (CBAs) and interrupted time series (ITS) that compared rehabilitation outcomes for persons 60 years or older who received rehabilitation whilst residing in a care home with those who received rehabilitation in hospital or own home environments.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data.

MAIN RESULTS

In this update, 8365 references were retrieved. Of these, 339 abstracts were independently assessed by 2 review authors, and 56 studies and 5 review articles were subsequently obtained. Full text papers were independently assessed by two or three review authors and none of these met inclusion criteria.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence to compare the effects of care home environments versus hospital environments or own home environments on older persons rehabilitation outcomes. Although the authors acknowledge that absence of effect is not no effect. There are three main reasons; the first is that the description and specification of the environment is often not clear; secondly, the components of the rehabilitation system within the given environments are not adequately specified and; thirdly, when the components are clearly specified they demonstrate that the control and intervention sites are not comparable with respect to the methodological criteria specified by Cochrane EPOC group. The combined effect of these factors resulted in the comparability between intervention and control groups being very weak.

Effectiveness of multidisciplinary rehabilitation services in postacute care: state-of-the-science. A review

OBJECTIVES

To summarize the efficacy of postacute rehabilitation and to outline future research strategies for increasing knowledge of its effectiveness.

DATA SOURCES

English-language systematic reviews that examined multidisciplinary therapy-based rehabilitation services for adults, published in the last 25 years and available through Cochrane, Medline, or CINAHL databases. We excluded multidisciplinary biopsychosocial rehabilitation programs and mental health services.

STUDY SELECTION

Using the search term rehabilitation, 167 records were identified in the Cochrane database, 1163 meta-analyses and reviews were identified in Medline, and 226 in CINAHL. The Medline and CINAHL search was further refined with 3 additional search terms: therapy, multidisciplinary, and interdisciplinary. In summary, we used 12 reviews to summarize the efficacy of multidisciplinary, therapy-based postacute rehabilitation; the 12 covered only 5 populations.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two reviewers extracted information about study populations, sample sizes, study designs, the settings and timing of rehabilitation, interventions, and findings.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Based on systematic reviews, the evidence for efficacy of postacute rehabilitation services across the continuum was strongest for stroke. There was also strong evidence supporting multidisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, moderate to severe acquired brain injury, including traumatic etiologies, and for older adults. Heterogeneity limited our ability to conclude a benefit or a lack of a benefit for rehabilitation in other postacute settings for the other conditions in which systematic reviews had been completed. The efficacy of multidisciplinary rehabilitation services has not been systematically reviewed for many of the diagnostic conditions treated in rehabilitation. We did not complete a summary of findings from individual studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the limitations and paucity of systematic reviews, information from carefully designed nonrandomized studies could be used to complement randomized controlled trials in the study of the effectiveness of postacute rehabilitation. Consequently, a stronger evidence base would become available with which to inform policy decisions, guide the use of services, and improve patient access and outcomes.

Effectiveness of intermediate care in nursing-led in-patient units

BACKGROUND

The Nursing led inpatient Unit (NLU) is one of a range of services that have been considered in order to manage more successfully the transition between hospital and home for patients with extended recovery times. This is an update of an earlier review published in The Cochrane Library in Issue 3, 2004.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether nursing-led inpatient units are effective in preparing patients for discharge from hospital compared to usual inpatient care.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched The Cochrane Library, the Specialized Register of the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC) group, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, BNI and HMIC databases. Citation searches were undertaken on the science and social science citation indices. Authors were contacted to identify additional data. The initial search was done in January 2001. The register search was updated in October 2006, the other database searches were updated in November 2006 and the citation search was run in January 2007.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Controlled trials and interrupted time series designs that compared the NLU to usual inpatient care managed by doctors. Patients over 18 years of age following an acute hospital admission for a physical health condition.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study quality.

MAIN RESULTS

Ten random or quasi-random controlled trials reported on a total of 1896 patients. There was no statistically significant effect on inpatient mortality (OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.56 to 2.16) or mortality to longest follow up (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.29) but higher quality studies showed a larger non-significant increase in inpatient mortality (OR 1.52, 95% CI 0.86 to 2.68). Discharge to institutional care was reduced for the NLU (OR 0.44 95% CI 0.22 to 0.89) and functional status at discharge increased (SMD 0.37, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.54) but there was a near significant increase in inpatient stay (WMD 5.13 days 95% CI -0.5 days to 10.76 days). Early readmissions were reduced (OR 0.52 95% CI 0.34 to 0.80). One study compared a NLU for the chronically critically ill with ICU care. Mortality (OR 0.62 95% CI 0.35 to 1.10) and length of inpatient stay differ did not differ (WMD 2 days, 95% CI 10.96 to -6.96 days). Early readmissions were reduced (OR 0.33 95% CI 0.12 to 0.94). Costs of care on the NLU were higher for UK studies but lower for US based studies.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is some evidence that patients discharged from a NLU are better prepared for discharge but it is unclear if this is simply a product of an increased length of inpatient stay. No statistically significant adverse effects were noted but the possibility of increased early mortality cannot be discounted. More research is needed.

Effectiveness of intermediate care delivered in nurse-led units

This mini-review provides an overview of evidence regarding the effectiveness, costs and patient experience relating the intermediate care in nursing-led units. The core of the evidence is derived from a high quality systematic review of 10 controlled trials involving 1669 patients. Other studies on patient experience and costs not included in the review are also considered. There is some evidence of patient benefit in the short term in terms of independence. However this does not seem to be sustained. Total inpatient stay is increased and hence overall costs of the initial episode are increased with no evidence of longer-term savings. The approach seems to be broadly acceptable to patients. Provided it is not simply used to house patients who cannot benefit, nursing-led units may be a viable alternative to acute care for some patients. However, the core features of the units that provided the evidence must be considered in order to maximize the potential for delivering quality care.

Transitional care facility for elderly people in hospital awaiting a long term care bed: randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of moving patients who are waiting in hospital for a long term care bed to an off-site transitional care facility.

DESIGN

Randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

Three public hospitals in Southern Adelaide.

PARTICIPANTS

320 elderly patients (mean age 83 years) in acute hospital beds (212 randomised to intervention, 108 to control).

INTERVENTIONS

A transitional care facility where all patients received a single assessment from a specialist elder care team and appropriate ongoing therapy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Length of stay in hospital, rates of readmission, deaths, and patient's functional level (modified Barthel index), quality of life (assessment of quality of life), and care needs (residential care scale) at four months.

RESULTS

From admission, those in the intervention group stayed a median of 32.5 days (95% confidence interval 29 to 36 days) in hospital. In the control group the median length of stay was 43.5 days (41 to 51 days) (95% confidence interval for difference 6 to 16 days). Patients in the intervention group took a median of 21 days (6 to 27 days) longer to be admitted to permanent care than those in the control group. In both groups few patients went home (14 (7%) in the intervention group v 9 (9%) in the control group). There were no significant differences in death rates (28% v 27%) or rates of transfer back to hospital (28% v 25%).

CONCLUSIONS

For frail elderly patients who are awaiting a residential care bed transfer out of hospital to an off-site transitional care unit with focus on aged care "unblocks beds" without adverse effects.