Three-month follow up of patients discharged from a geriatric day hospital.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if mobility and functional status of patients attending a geriatric day hospital are maintained three months after discharge.


METHODS
Prospective, before-after, quasi-experimental design.


METHODS
Community-dwelling elderly referred for comprehensive geriatric assessment and multidisciplinary management.


METHODS
All patients who attended a geriatric day hospital for at least 5 visits and discharged between 1 August, 1999 and 1 March, 2000 were eligible (n = 41). Measurements were performed at admission, discharge and three months post-discharge. Data were analyzed using one way repeated measures ANOVA for parametric data and the Friedman-Chi square test for non-parametric data.


METHODS
Barthel Index, Timed Up and Go Test, Berg Balance Scale, Mini-Mental Status Examination, Geriatric Depression Scale.


RESULTS
From admission to discharge, significant improvements were seen in Timed Up and Go Test, Berg Balance Scale, and Geriatric Depression Scale (all P<or=0.002). From discharge to 3 months post-discharge, the Timed Up and Go Test, Berg Balance Scale and Mini-Mental Status Examination declined (all P<0.001) with no significant change in Barthel Index or Geriatric Depression Scale. From admission to 3 months post-discharge, Mini-Mental Status Examination scores declined (p=0.002) and Geriatric Depression Scale scores improved (p=0.007), with all other outcomes unchanged.


CONCLUSIONS
No sustained improvements in mobility or functional status were seen at 3 months following discharge from a geriatric day hospital. Further studies exploring methods to delay progressive deterioration in multiple domains are necessary.
Malone
Marilyn
M
St Vincent's Hospital, 749 W 33rd Avenue, Vancouver, BCV6J 5H7, Canada. mmalone@providencehealth.bc.ca
Hill
Amanda
A
Smith
Geoff
G
D000339:Affect / Q000502:physiology; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D003631:Day Care, Medical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012111:Residence Characteristics