title: [Implementation of an early geriatric rehabilitation in acute inpatient pneumology].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In order to counter the rapidly developing loss of function especially in elderly patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AE-COPD) the concept "early geriatric rehabilitation in acute inpatient pneumology" was developed. An essential aspect of the project was a targeted approach making use of multi-professional expertise and standards.
  
  
  METHODS
  This 1-year feasibility study included a total of 58 patients with AE-COPD in advanced age (mean: 74.8 ± 6.8 years) with typical geriatric multimorbidity and necessity for acute medical as well as rehabilitation treatment. The results of the early geriatric rehabilitation by a multi-professional rehabilitation team were analyzed in a prospective study approach using standardized assessments.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The early geriatric rehabilitation started on median day 3 (range: 1st - 22nd) and lasted in median 16 days (range: 9 - 29). It achieved a significant improvement, particularly in mobility [timed up-and-go, median 19 (range: 10 - 150) vs. 15 (range: 7 - 120) seconds, p < 0.0001], self-help ability [Barthel index, median 73 (range: 5 - 95) vs. 95 (range: 45 - 100) points, p < 0.0001] and social care.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Early geriatric rehabilitation in a cohort of AE-COPD patients is feasible and can be integrated in an acute inpatient pulmonary care system.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Pneumologie, Lungenklinik Heckeshorn, HELIOS Klinikum Emil von Behring, Walterhöferstraße 11, Berlin. wim.ammenwerth@helioskliniken.de
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Ammenwerth
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nosul
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Berliner
authors.forename: Ch
authors.initials: Ch
authors.lastname: Duve
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Guttenberger-Nowicki
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Schönfeld
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Blum
authors.forename: T T
authors.initials: TT
authors.lastname: Bauer
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012046:Rehabilitation / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016896:Treatment Outcome