title: Patient experiences and predictors in an acute geriatric ward: A cross-sectional study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate older peoples' experiences with acute hospital treatment and care, and variables that may influence these experiences.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  In the Nordic countries, research on older peoples' experiences with hospital care is sparse.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were recruited from an acute geriatric ward in a hospital in Norway during a 1-year period (n = 189). Patient experience was assessed using the Picker Patient Experience Questionnaire, self-rated health by Euro-QoL 5-dimension, three-level version and comorbidity by Charlson comorbidity index.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Responders' median age was 79 years, 48.7% male. Most of the problems were related to continuity and transition, while fewest problems were related to respect for patient preferences. Charlson comorbidity index score and the variables "still working," "in a relationship" and "living alone" negatively influenced patient experience.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A high amount of problems were identified among patients hospitalised in an acute geriatric ward. Findings from this study may provide important information about issues that need focus to increase the care experiences of older people.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results from this study adds to existing knowledge, and emphasize the need for increased focus on discharge and continuity of care processes.
authors.affiliation: Østfold Hospital Trust, Department of Research, PO. Box 300, 1714, Grålum, Norway.
authors.forename: Ann-Chatrin Linqvist
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5608-9401
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Leonardsen
authors.affiliation: Østfold Hospital Trust, Department of Research, PO. Box 300, 1714, Grålum, Norway.|Østfold University College, Halden, Norway/Østfold.
authors.forename: Lars-Petter
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Jelsness-Jørgensen
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease / Q000523:psychology; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D057240:Patient Preference; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: acute geriatric ward; comorbidity; patient experiences; questionnaire; self-rated health