Level of dependence of hospitalised patients
Section: Health and quality of life
How to quote
Alonso Pérez L, Ezkurra Loyola A, Amilibia Garaizabal L, González Ignacio A, Guridi Amenabar M. Nivel de dependencia de los pacientes ingresados. Metas de Enferm oct 2006; 9(8): 18-24
Authors
1Laura Alonso Pérez, 2Alazne Ezkurra Loyola, 3Libe Amilibia Garaizabal, 4Asunción González Ignacio, 4Maite Guridi Amenabar
Position
1Supervisora de Formación del Hospital de Mendaro.2Supervisora de Cirugía del Hospital de Mendaro.3Auxiliar de Enfermería del Servicio de Tocoginecología del Hospital de Mendaro.4Auxiliar de Enfermería del Servicio de Medicina Interna del Hospital de Mendaro.
Contact address
Supervisora de Formación. Hospital de Mendaro. Bº Mendarozabal, s/n. 20850 Mendaro, Gipuzkoa.
Contact email: laurajul@euskalnet.net
Abstract
Introduction: the level of dependence of hospitalised patients has increased as a result of the aging process and the multiple associated conditions these patients suffer from. Both the age and the level of dependence are important factors to be considered in the management of nursing care in medical centres.
The objective of this study is to determine the level of dependence of hospitalised patients.
Material and methods: crossectional descriptive study on patients over 65 hospitalised in the 3 different hospital units: Medicine, Surgery and Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
The variables analysed are: age, sex, referring medical department, existence of a main caretaker and level of dependence measured according to Barthel Index (BI).
Results: mean age of the sample was: 78 years, range: 65 to 96. Overall dependence levels were: 16% total dependence, 13% severe dependence, 10% moderate dependence, 29% mild dependence and 32% totally independent.
Statistical differences were found only in patients admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine and Surgery due to activities that have to do with eating (sq chi 10.7418, p<0.05) and bowel control (sq chi 8.1762; p<0,05).
Conclusions: age is a predictable factor in itself for the level of dependence of hospitalised patients. BI allows for the objective assessment of the level of dependence of people and also facilitates the planning of care and to control patient progress.
Keywords:
Levels of dependence; Barthel Index; activities of daily life; hospitalisationgeriatrics
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