Treatment characteristics of patients with dementia: comparing two different psychiatric inpatient settings

[Discharge management in German hospitals for cognitively impaired, older people-a scoping review]

BACKGROUND

In German hospitals approximately 40% of all patients over the age of 65 years are cognitively impaired (MmkB). After discharge from hospital it is particularly important for MmkB that the transition to domestic life is organized as seamlessly and as well-coordinated as possible.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to determine the existing evidence on discharge management (EM) in MmkB and people with dementia (MmD). Furthermore, the study examined the necessity of an intersectoral concept for MmkB.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Based on a scoping review a total of 102 publications were identified, of which 6 articles were finally used for the evaluation.

RESULTS

The article provides an overview of the current care of MmkB in acute care hospitals in Germany. General information on EM in hospitals was given in three of the six publications included. Information on special discharge and care management for MmkB and MmD was contained in five out of six papers.

DISCUSSION

The article illustrates significant gaps in the hospital care for older MmkB, in particular at the interface of discharge management and demonstrates the need for new care models. To what extent these new care models can be structurally, procedurally and systemically embedded in the standard care and financed, is an open and unexplored question.