Quality improvement through the introduction of interdisciplinary geriatric hemodialysis rehabilitation care.
BACKGROUND
Provision of rehabilitation with the aim of restoring personal independence in elderly hemodialysis patients faces several challenges.


METHODS
Quality improvement report.


METHODS
First 3 years of experience of an inpatient geriatric hemodialysis rehabilitation program in Toronto. Patients with new-onset disability from prolonged illness or an acute event rendering them incapable of living independently.


METHODS
Provision of in-patient rehabilitation with on-site dialysis; a simplified referral system; preferential admission of elderly dialysis patients; short daily dialysis sessions; integrated multidisciplinary care by experts in rehabilitation, geriatric medicine, and nephrology; and reciprocal continued medical education among staff.


METHODS
Outcome measures were percentage of patients discharged home, score on the Functional Independence Measure, and attainment of rehabilitation goals.


RESULTS
In the first 36 months, 164 dialysis patients aged 74.5 +/- 7.8 years were admitted. On admission, patients had a mean Charlson comorbidity score of 7.8 +/- 2.5, 98% had difficulty walking, and 84% required help with bed-to-chair transfers. After a median of 48.5 days, 111 patients (69%) were discharged home; 15 patients (9%), to an assisted-living setting; 20 patients (12%), to a long-term care facility; and 18 patients (11%), to other facilities for acute or palliative care. Of those completing therapy, 82% met some or all of their rehabilitation goals.


CONCLUSIONS
The program relied on the leadership and drive of key personnel. Discharge disposition as an outcome can be affected by many factors, and definition of attainment of rehabilitation goals is arbitrary.


CONCLUSIONS
The introduction of an integrated dialysis rehabilitation service can help older dialysis patients with new-onset functional decline return to their home.
Li
Marilyn
M
Division of Nephrology, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
Porter
Eveline
E
Lam
Robert
R
Jassal
Sarbjit V
SV
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015897:Comorbidity; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D006436:Hemodialysis Units, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010351:Patient Discharge; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D012046:Rehabilitation / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D006435:Renal Dialysis