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For older adults, acute hospitalization is a high-risk event with poor health outcomes, including functional decline. In absence of practical guidelines and high quality randomized controlled trials, this Delphi study was conducted. The aim of this study was to obtain consensus on an exercise intervention program, a core outcome set (COS) and handover information to prevent functional decline or restore physical function in acutely hospitalized older patients transitioning from hospital to home. An internal panel of experts in the field of exercise interventions for acutely hospitalized older adults were invited to join the study. In the Delphi study, relevant topics were recognized, statements were formulated and ranked on a 9-point Likert scale in two additional rounds. To reaching consensus, a score of 7–9 was classified as essential. Results were expressed as median and semi-interquartile range (SIQR), and consensus threshold was set at SIQR≤0.5. Fifteen international experts from eight countries participated in the panel. The response rate was 93%, 93% and 80% for the three rounds respectively. After three rounds, consensus was reached on 167 of the 185 (90.3%) statements, of which ninety-five (51.4%) were ranked as essential (median Likert-score ≥7.0, SIQR ≤0.5). This Delphi study provides starting points for developing an exercise intervention, a COS and handover information. The results of this Delphi study can assist physical therapists to provide a tailored exercise intervention for older patients with complex care needs after hospital discharge, to prevent functional decline and/or restore physical function.

BACKGROUND Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, telerehabilitation (TR) has been expanding to address the challenges and risks of in-person delivery. It is likely that a level of TR delivery will continue after the pandemic because of its advantages, such as reducing geographical barriers to service. Many pandemic-related TR initiatives were put in place quickly. Therefore, we have little understanding of current TR delivery, barriers and facilitators, and how therapists anticipate integrating TR into current practice. Knowing this information will allow the incorporation of competencies specifically related to the use and provision of TR into professional profiles and entry-to-practice education, thereby promoting high-quality TR care. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to obtain a descriptive overview of current TR practice among rehabilitation therapists in Canada and the Netherlands and identify perceived barriers to and facilitators of practice. METHODS A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted with occupational, physical, and respiratory therapists and dietitians in Canada (in French and English) and the Netherlands (in Dutch and English) between November 2021 and March 2022. Recruitment was conducted through advertisements on social media platforms and email invitations facilitated by regulatory and professional bodies. The survey included demographic and practice setting information; whether respondents delivered TR, and if so, components of delivery; confidence and satisfaction ratings with delivery; and barriers to and facilitators of use. TR satisfaction and uptake were measured using the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire and modified Technology Acceptance Model. Data were first summarized descriptively, and then, comparisons were conducted between professions. RESULTS Overall, 723 survey responses were received, mostly from Canada (n=666, 92.1%) and occupational therapists (n=434, 60%). Only 28.1% (203/723) reported receiving specific training in TR, with 1.2% (9/723) indicating that it was part of their professional education. Approximately 19.5% (139/712) reported not using TR at all, whereas most participants (366/712, 51.4%) had been using this approach for 1 to 2 years. Services delivered were primarily teleconsultation and teletreatment with individuals. Respondents offering TR were moderately satisfied with their service delivery and found it to be effective; 90.1% (498/553) indicated that they were likely to continue offering TR after the pandemic. Technology access, confidence, and setup were rated the highest as facilitators, whereas technology issues and the clinical need for physical contact were the most common barriers. CONCLUSIONS Professional practice and experience with TR were similar in both countries, suggesting the potential for common strategic approaches. The high prevalence of current practice and strong indicators of TR uptake suggest that therapists are likely to continue TR delivery after the pandemic; however, most therapists (461/712, 64.7%) felt ill prepared for practice, and the need to target TR competencies during professional and postprofessional education is critical. Future studies should explore best practice for preparatory and continuing education.

ObjectivesTo determine the number of steps taken by older patients in hospital and 1 week after discharge; to identify factors associated with step numbers after discharge; and to examine the association between functional decline and step numbers after discharge.DesignProspective observational cohort study conducted in 2015–2017.Setting and ParticipantsOlder adults (≥70 years of age) acutely hospitalized for at least 48 hours at internal, cardiology, or geriatric wards in 6 Dutch hospitals.MethodsSteps were counted using the Fitbit Flex accelerometer during hospitalization and 1 week after discharge. Demographic, somatic, physical, and psychosocial factors were assessed during hospitalization. Functional decline was determined 1 month after discharge using the Katz activities of daily living index.ResultsThe analytic sample included 188 participants [mean age (standard deviation) 79.1 (6.7)]. One month postdischarge, 33 out of 174 participants (19%) experienced functional decline. The median number of steps was 656 [interquartile range (IQR), 250–1146] at the last day of hospitalization. This increased to 1750 (IQR 675–4114) steps 1 day postdischarge, and to 1997 (IQR 938–4098) steps 7 days postdischarge. Age [β = −57.93; 95% confidence interval (CI) −111.15 to −4.71], physical performance (β = 224.95; 95% CI 117.79–332.11), and steps in hospital (β = 0.76; 95% CI 0.46–1.06) were associated with steps postdischarge. There was a significant association between step numbers after discharge and functional decline 1 month after discharge (β = −1400; 95% CI –2380 to −420; P = .005).Conclusions and ImplicationsAmong acutely hospitalized older adults, step numbers double 1 day postdischarge, indicating that their capacity is underutilized during hospitalization. Physical performance and physical activity during hospitalization are key to increasing the number of steps postdischarge. The number of steps 1 week after discharge is a promising indicator of functional decline 1 month after discharge.

Background Acute hospitalization may lead to posthospital syndrome, but no studies have investigated how this syndrome manifests and geriatric syndromes are often used as synonym. However, studies on longitudinal associations between syndromes and adverse outcomes are scarce. We aimed to analyze longitudinal associations between geriatric syndromes and functional decline (FD), readmission, and mortality. Methods Prospective cohort study, including 401 acutely hospitalized patients (aged ≥ 70). We performed: (i) logistic regression analyses to assess associations between patterns of geriatric syndromes as they develop over time (between admission and 1 month postdischarge), and FD and readmission; (ii) generalized estimating equations to assess longitudinal associations between geriatric syndromes over five time points (admission, discharge, 1, 2, and 3 months postdischarge) and FD, mortality, and readmission at 3 months postdischarge. Results After syndrome absent, syndrome present at both admission and 1 month postdischarge was most prevalent. Persistent patterns of apathy (odds ratio [OR] = 4.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.54–12.30), pain (OR = 3.26, 95% CI = 1.21–8.8), malnutrition (OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.35–8.56), mobility impairment (OR = 6.65, 95% CI = 1.98–22.38), and fear of falling (OR = 3.17, 95% CI = 1.25–8.02) were associated with FD. Developing cognitive impairment (OR = 6.40, 95% CI = 1.52–26.84), fatigue (OR = 4.71, 95% CI = 1.03–21.60), and fall risk (OR = 4.30, 95% CI = 1.21–16.57) postdischarge, was associated with readmission; however, only 4%–6% developed these syndromes. Over the course of five time points, mobility impairment, apathy, and incontinence were longitudinally associated with FD; apathy, malnutrition, fatigue, and fall risk with mortality; malnutrition with readmission. Conclusion Most geriatric syndromes are present at admission and patients are likely to retain them postdischarge. Several geriatric syndromes are longitudinally associated with mortality and, particularly, persistently present syndromes place persons are at risk of FD. Although few persons develop syndromes postdischarge, those developing cognitive impairment, fatigue, and fall risk were at increased readmission risk.

OBJECTIVES:After hospitalization, many older adults need post-acute care, including rehabilitation or home care. However, post-acute care expenses can be as high as the costs for the initial hospitalization. Detailed information on monthly post-acute health care expenditures and the characteristics of patients that make up for a large share of these expenditures is scarce. We aimed to calculate costs in acutely hospitalized older patients and identify patient characteristics that are associated with high post-acute care costs.DESIGN:Prospective multicenter cohort study (between October 2015 and June 2017).SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS:401 acutely hospitalized older persons from internal medicine, cardiology, and geriatric wards.MEASUREMENTS:Our primary outcome was mean post-acute care costs within 90 days postdischarge. Post-acute care costs included costs for unplanned readmissions, home care, nursing home care, general practice, and rehabilitation care. Three costs categories were defined: low [0-50th percentile (p0-50)], moderate (p50-75), and high (p75-100). Multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the associations between costs and frailty, functional impairment, health-related quality of life, cognitive impairment, and depressive symptoms.RESULTS:Costs were distributed unevenly in the population, with the top 10.0% (n = 40) accounting for 52.1% of total post-acute care costs. Mean post-acute care costs were €4035 [standard deviation (SD) 4346] or $4560 (SD 4911). Frailty [odds ratio (OR) 3.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.78-6.63], functional impairment (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.03-3.16), and poor health-related quality of life (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.09-3.28) at admission were associated with classification in the high-cost group, compared with the low-cost group.CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS:Post-acute care costs are substantial in a small portion of hospitalized older adults. Frailty, functional impairment, and poor health-related quality of life are associated with higher post-acute care costs and may be used as an indicator of such costs in practice.

ObjectiveTo identify trajectories of cognitive-affective depressive symptoms among acutely hospitalized older patients and whether trajectories are related to prognostic baseline factors and three-month outcomes such as functional decline, falls, unplanned readmissions, and mortality.MethodsProspective multicenter cohort of acutely hospitalized patients aged ≥ 70. Depressive trajectories were based on Group Based Trajectory Modeling, using the Geriatric Depression Scale-15. Outcomes were functional decline, falls, unplanned readmission, and mortality within three months post-discharge.ResultsThe analytic sample included 398 patients (mean age = 79.6 years; SD = 6.6). Three distinct depressive symptoms trajectories were identified: minimal (63.6%), mild persistent (25.4%), and severe persistent (11.0%). Unadjusted results showed that, compared to the minimal symptoms group, the mild and severe persistent groups showed a significantly higher risk of functional decline (mild: OR = 3.9, p ConclusionNearly 40% of the acutely hospitalized older adults exhibited mild to severe levels of cognitive-affective depressive symptoms. In light of the substantially elevated risk of serious complications and the fact that elevated depressive symptoms was not a transient phenomenon identification of these patients is needed. This further emphasizes the need for acute care hospitals, as a point of engagement with older adults, to develop discharge or screening procedures for managing cognitive-affective depressive symptoms.

ObjectivesTo establish the prevalence and course of geriatric syndromes from hospital admission up to 3 months postdischarge and to determine the probability to retain geriatric syndromes over the period from discharge until 3 months postdischarge, once they are present at admission.DesignProspective multicenter cohort study conducted between October 2015 and June 2017.Setting and participantsAcutely hospitalized patients aged 70 years and older recruited from internal, cardiology, and geriatric wards of 6 Dutch hospitals.MeasuresCognitive impairment, depressive symptoms, apathy, pain, malnutrition, incontinence, dizziness, fatigue, mobility impairment, functional impairment, fall risk, and fear of falling were assessed at admission, discharge, and 1, 2, and 3 months postdischarge. Generalized estimating equations analysis were performed to analyze the course of syndromes and to determine the probability to retain syndromes.ResultsA total of 401 participants [mean age (standard deviation) 79.7 (6.7)] were included. At admission, a median of 5 geriatric syndromes were present. Most prevalent were fatigue (77.2%), functional impairment (62.3%), apathy (57.5%), mobility impairment (54.6%), and fear of falling (40.6%). At 3 months postdischarge, an average of 3 syndromes were present, of which mobility impairment (52.7%), fatigue (48.1%), and functional impairment (42.5%) were most prevalent. Tracking analysis showed that geriatric syndromes that were present at admission were likely to be retained. The following 6 geriatric syndromes were most likely to stay present postdischarge: mobility impairment, incontinence, cognitive impairment, depressive symptoms, functional impairment, and fear of falling.ImplicationsAcutely hospitalized older adults exhibit a broad spectrum of highly prevalent geriatric syndromes. Moreover, patients are likely to retain symptoms that are present at admission postdischarge. Our study underscores the need to address a wide range of syndromes at admission, the importance of communication on syndromes to the next care provider, and the need for adequate follow-up care and syndrome management postdischarge.

© 2020 AMDA – The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care MedicineObjectives: Acute hospitalization may lead to a decrease in muscle measures, but limited studies are reporting on the changes after discharge. The aim of this study was to determine longitudinal changes in muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance in acutely hospitalized older adults from admission up to 3 months post-discharge. Design: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted. Setting and Participants: This study included 401 participants aged ≥70 years who were acutely hospitalized in 6 hospitals. All variables were assessed at hospital admission, discharge, and 1 and 3 months post-discharge. Methods: Muscle mass in kilograms was assessed by multifrequency Bio-electrical Impedance Analysis (MF-BIA) (Bodystat; Quadscan 4000) and muscle strength by handgrip strength (JAMAR). Chair stand and gait speed test were assessed as part of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Norm values were based on the consensus statement of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People. Results: A total of 343 acute hospitalized older adults were included in the analyses with a mean (SD) age of 79.3 (6.6) years, 49.3% were women. From admission up to 3 months post-discharge, muscle mass (−0.1 kg/m2; P =.03) decreased significantly and muscle strength (−0.5 kg; P =.08) decreased nonsignificantly. The chair stand (+0.7 points; P

Objectives To study (i) the association of general self-efficacy (GSE) on the course of subjective (i.e. basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADLs and IADLs) and objective physical performance outcomes (short physical performance battery (SPPB)) among older persons from discharge up to 3 months post-discharge and (ii) the extent to whether motivational factors such as depressive symptoms, apathy and fatigue mediate this association. Methods Prospective multi-centre cohort of acutely hospitalised patients aged ≥70 (Hospital-ADL study). Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the structural relationships. Results The analytic sample included 236 acutely hospitalised patients. GSE had a significant total effect on the course of subjective and objective performance outcomes (ADLs: β = −0.21, P Conclusions Motivational factors and GSE are both associated with subjective and objective performance outcomes. However, the relationship between GSE and subjective and objective performance outcomes was highly mediated by motivational factors. Taken together, this suggests that GSE is important to being physically active but not sufficient to becoming more physical active in acutely hospitalised older patients; motivation is important to improving both subjective and objective performance.

BACKGROUND Major surgery is associated with negative postoperative outcomes such as complications and delayed or poor recovery. Multimodal prehabilitation can help to reduce the negative effects of major surgery. Offering prehabilitation by means of mobile health (mHealth) could be an effective new approach. OBJECTIVE The objectives of this pilot study were to (1) evaluate the usability of the Be Prepared mHealth app prototype for people undergoing major surgery, (2) explore whether the app was capable of bringing about a change in risk behaviors, and (3) estimate a preliminary effect of the app on functional recovery after major surgery. METHODS A mixed-methods pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted in two Dutch academic hospitals. In total, 86 people undergoing major surgery participated. Participants in the intervention group received access to the Be Prepared app, a smartphone app using behavior change techniques to address risk behavior prior to surgery. Both groups received care as usual. Usability (System Usability Scale), change in risk behaviors 3 days prior to surgery, and functional recovery 30 days after discharge from hospital (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System physical functioning 8-item short form) were assessed using online questionnaires. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable linear regression. Semistructured interviews about the usability of the app were conducted with 12 participants in the intervention group. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. RESULTS Seventy-nine people—40 in the intervention group and 39 in the control group—were available for further analysis. Participants had a median age of 61 (interquartile range 51.0-68.0) years. The System Usability Scale showed that patients considered the Be Prepared app to have acceptable usability (mean 68.2 [SD 18.4]). Interviews supported the usability of the app. The major point of improvement identified was further personalization of the app. Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed an increase in self-reported physical activity and muscle strengthening activities prior to surgery. Also, 2 of 2 frequent alcohol users in the intervention group versus 1 of 9 in the control group drank less alcohol in the run-up to surgery. No difference was found in change of smoking cessation. Between-group analysis showed no meaningful differences in functional recovery after correction for baseline values (β=–2.4 [95% CI –5.9 to 1.1]). CONCLUSIONS The Be Prepared app prototype shows potential in terms of usability and changing risk behavior prior to major surgery. No preliminary effect of the app on functional recovery was found. Points of improvement have been identified with which the app and future research can be optimized. CLINICALTRIAL Netherlands Trial Registry NL8623; https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/8623

Objectives: To investigate the course of depressive symptoms, and basic and instrumental activities of daily living (collectively described as, (I)ADL functioning) from acute admission until one year post-discharge, the longitudinal association between depressive symptoms and (I)ADL functioning, and to disaggregate between- and within-person effects to examine whether changes in depressive symptoms are associated with changes in (I)ADL functioning.Methods: Prospective multicenter cohort of acutely hospitalized patients aged ≥70. Data gathered over a one-year period were assessed using validated measures of depressive symptoms (GDS-15) and physical functioning (Katz-ADL index). A Poisson mixed model analysis was used to examine the association between the courses and a hybrid model was used to disentangle between- and within-subject effects.Results: The analytic sample included 398 patients (mean age = 79.6 years, SD = 6.6). Results showed an improvement in depressive symptoms and physical functions over time, whereby changes in depressive symptoms were significantly associated with the course of ADL function (rate ratio (RR) = 0.91, p < .001) and IADL function (RR = 0.94, p < .001), even after adjustment for confounding variables. Finally, both between- and within-person effects of depressive symptoms were significantly associated with the course of ADL function (between-person: RR = 0.85, p < .001; within-person: RR = 0.94, p < .001) and IADL function (between-person: RR = 0.87, p < .001; within-person: RR = 0.97, p < .001).Conclusion: The course of depressive symptoms and physical functions improved over time, whereby changes in depressive symptoms were significantly associated with changes in physical functions, both at group and individual level. These changes in (I)ADL functioning lie mostly above the estimated minimally important change for both scales, implying clinically relevant changes.

Decreased appetite is one of the main risk factors of malnutrition. Little is known on how appetite changes during hospitalization and after discharge and how it relates with sarcopenia-related outcomes. We analyzed data of the Hospital-ADL study, a multicenter prospective cohort study that followed 400 acutely hospitalized older adults (≥70 year). Appetite (SNAQ), handgrip strength (Jamar), muscle mass (BIA), mobility (DEMMI), and physical performance (SPPB) were assessed within 48 h of admission, at discharge, and at one and three months post-discharge. The course of decreased appetite was analysed by Generalised Estimating Equations. Linear Mixed Model was used to analyse the associations between decreased appetite and the sarcopenia-related outcomes. Decreased appetite was reported by 51% at hospital admission, 34% at discharge, 28% one month post-discharge, and 17% three months post-discharge. Overall, decreased appetite was associated with lower muscle strength (β = −1.089, p = 0.001), lower mobility skills (β = −3.893, p &lt, 0.001), and lower physical performance (β = −0.706, p &lt, 0.001) but not with muscle mass (β = −0.023, p = 0.920). In conclusion, decreased appetite was highly prevalent among acute hospitalized older adults and remained prevalent, although less, after discharge. Decreased appetite was significantly associated with negative sarcopenia-related outcomes, which underlines the need for assessment and monitoring of decreased appetite during and post hospitalization.

Background Major surgery is associated with negative postoperative outcomes such as complications and delayed or poor recovery. Multimodal prehabilitation can help to reduce the negative effects of major surgery. Offering prehabilitation by means of mobile health (mHealth) could be an effective new approach. Objective The objectives of this pilot study were to (1) evaluate the usability of the Be Prepared mHealth app prototype for people undergoing major surgery, (2) explore whether the app was capable of bringing about a change in risk behaviors, and (3) estimate a preliminary effect of the app on functional recovery after major surgery. Methods A mixed-methods pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted in two Dutch academic hospitals. In total, 86 people undergoing major surgery participated. Participants in the intervention group received access to the Be Prepared app, a smartphone app using behavior change techniques to address risk behavior prior to surgery. Both groups received care as usual. Usability (System Usability Scale), change in risk behaviors 3 days prior to surgery, and functional recovery 30 days after discharge from hospital (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System physical functioning 8-item short form) were assessed using online questionnaires. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable linear regression. Semistructured interviews about the usability of the app were conducted with 12 participants in the intervention group. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Results Seventy-nine people—40 in the intervention group and 39 in the control group—were available for further analysis. Participants had a median age of 61 (interquartile range 51.0-68.0) years. The System Usability Scale showed that patients considered the Be Prepared app to have acceptable usability (mean 68.2 [SD 18.4]). Interviews supported the usability of the app. The major point of improvement identified was further personalization of the app. Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed an increase in self-reported physical activity and muscle strengthening activities prior to surgery. Also, 2 of 2 frequent alcohol users in the intervention group versus 1 of 9 in the control group drank less alcohol in the run-up to surgery. No difference was found in change of smoking cessation. Between-group analysis showed no meaningful differences in functional recovery after correction for baseline values (β=–2.4 [95% CI –5.9 to 1.1]). Conclusions The Be Prepared app prototype shows potential in terms of usability and changing risk behavior prior to major surgery. No preliminary effect of the app on functional recovery was found. Points of improvement have been identified with which the app and future research can be optimized. Trial Registration Netherlands Trial Registry NL8623; https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/8623

Depressive symptoms and apathy are both causes for and a consequences of hospitalization among older persons. Depressive symptoms and apathy are highly heterogeneous in its course, and psychological or physical recovery may be related to distinct trajectories. These trajectories are unknown in the context of acute hospitalization and possibly important for post-hospital recovery. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify distinct trajectories of depressive symptoms and apathy from acute hospitalization until three months post-discharge and to study the incidence of functional decline and mortality three months post-discharge in these trajectories. We conducted a multicenter prospective cohort study, the Hospital-Associated Disability and impact on daily Life (Hospital-ADL) study, including 400 acutely hospitalized patients of 70 years and above. Data were collected in six Dutch hospitals. We identified three depressive symptoms consistently trajectories among acutely hospitalized patients: 1]high level of depressive symptoms (10%), 2]moderate level of symptoms (28%), and 3]minimal symptoms (62%). Percentages of functional decline in the first, second and third group were 32%, 31%, and 12%, respectively. Mortality rates per group were 25%, 17%, and 5%, respectively. We identified three apathy trajectories: 1]consistently high level of symptoms (19%), 2]), 2]consistently moderate level (23%), and 3]moderate level of symptoms and decreasing post-discharge (15%). Percentages of functional decline were 23%, 7%, and 15% respectively. Mortality rates per group were 14%, 3%, and 0% respectively. These distinct trajectory groups of depressive symptoms and apathy provide information about the possible prognosis of these symptoms and functional recovery after an acute hospitalization.

Acute hospitalization often initiates events leading to changes in cognitive functioning. The majority of studies that investigated cognitive trajectories over time focused on specific patient-populations such as patients who suffered a hip fracture, stroke, or delirium. Moreover, previous studies have had only long-term follow ups. Trajectories of cognitive changes within the short critical three months post-discharge are hence unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify distinct trajectories of cognitive functioning from acute hospitalization up to three months post-discharge and to study the incidence of functional decline and mortality. We conducted a multicenter prospective cohort study, the Hospital-Associated Disability and impact on daily Life (Hospital-ADL) study, including 400 acutely hospitalized patients of 70 years and older, who had a minimal MMSE-score of 15 at admission. Data were collected in six hospitals in the Netherlands. We identified three cognitive trajectories: 1] consistently high level of cognitive functioning (69%), 2] moderate cognitive functioning and improvement (22%), and 3] consistently minimal cognitive functioning (9%). In the group with a consistently high level of cognitive functioning, 14% had functional decline and the mortality rate was 11% at three months post-discharge. Of the participants with moderate cognitive functioning and improvement, 24% experienced functional decline and the mortality rate was 6.5%. Finally, of the participants with consistently low cognitive functioning, 41% had functional decline and 14% died within three months post-discharge. These distinct trajectory groups of cognitive functioning provide information about the possible prognosis of cognition and functional recovery after an acute hospitalization.

Background: Hip fracture in older patients often lead to permanent disabilities and can result in mortality. Objective: To identify distinct disability trajectories from admission to one-year post-discharge in acutely hospitalized older patients after hip fracture. Design: Prospective cohort study, with assessments at admission, three-months and one-year post-discharge. Setting and participants: Patients >= 65 years admitted to a 1024-bed tertiary teaching hospital in the Netherlands. Methods: Disability was the primary outcome and measured with the modified Katz ADL-index score. A secondary outcome was mortality. Latent class growth analysis was performed to detect distinct disability trajectories from admission and Cox regression was used to analyze the effect of the deceased patients to one-year after discharge. Results: The mean (SD) age of the 267 patients was 84.0 (6.9) years. We identified 3 disability trajectories based on the Katz ADL-index score from admission to one-year post-discharge: 'mild' - (n=54 (20.2%)), 'moderate' - (n=110 (41.2%)) and 'severe' disability (n=103 (38.6%)). Patients in all three trajectories showed an increase of disabilities at three months, in relation to baseline and 80% did not return to baseline one-year post-discharge. Seventy-three patients (27.3%) deceased within one-year post-discharge, particularly in the 'moderate' - (n=22 (8.2%)) and 'severe' disability trajectory (n=47 (17.6%)). Conclusions: Three disability trajectories were identified from hospital admission until one-year follow-up in acutely hospitalized older patients after hip fracture. Most patients had substantial functional decline and 27% of the patient's deceased one-year post-discharge, mainly patients in the 'moderate' - 'and severe' disability trajectories.

BACKGROUND: Over 30 % of older patients experience hospitalization-associated disability (HAD) (i.e., loss of independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)) after an acute hospitalization. Despite its high prevalence, the mechanisms that underlie HAD remain elusive. This paper describes the protocol for the Hospital-Associated Disability and impact on daily Life (Hospital-ADL) study, which aims to unravel the potential mechanisms behind HAD from admission to three months post-discharge.METHODS/DESIGN: The Hospital-ADL study is a multicenter, observational, prospective cohort study aiming to recruit 400 patients aged ≥70 years that are acutely hospitalized at departments of Internal Medicine, Cardiology or Geriatrics, involving six hospitals in the Netherlands. Eligible are patients hospitalized for at least 48 h, without major cognitive impairment (Mini Mental State Examination score ≥15), who have a life expectancy of more than three months, and without disablement in all six ADLs. The study will assess possible cognitive, behavioral, psychosocial, physical, and biological factors of HAD. Data will be collected through: 1] medical and demographical data; 2] personal interviews, which includes assessment of cognitive impairment, behavioral and psychosocial functioning, physical functioning, and health care utilization; 3] physical performance tests, which includes gait speed, hand grip strength, balance, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and an activity tracker (Fitbit Flex), and; 4] analyses of blood samples to assess inflammatory and metabolic markers. The primary endpoint is additional disabilities in ADLs three months post-hospital discharge compared to ADL function two weeks prior to hospital admission. Secondary outcomes are health care utilization, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), physical performance tests, and mortality. There will be at least five data collection points; within 48 h after admission (H1), at discharge (H3), and at one (P1; home visit), two (P2; by telephone) and three months (P3; home visit) post-discharge. If the patient is admitted for more than five days, additional measurements will be planned during hospitalization on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (H2).DISCUSSION: The Hospital-ADL study will provide information on cognitive, behavioral, psychosocial, physical, and biological factors associated with HAD and will be collected during and following hospitalization. These data may inform new interventions to prevent or restore hospitalization-associated disability.

Studies have addressed the prevalence of geriatric syndromes during hospitalization and showed their association with adverse outcomes. However, data on their course post-discharge and association with recovery are scarce. This study assessed the course of geriatric syndromes from admission until discharge and then monthly until three months post-discharge and their impact on functional decline, readmission, and mortality. A multi-center cohort study, the Hospital-Associated Disability and Impact on Daily Life (Hopital-ADL) study, was conducted, including 400 acutely hospitalized patients aged ≥70 years admitted to an internal, cardiology or geriatric ward from 6 Dutch hospitals. Geriatric syndromes that were assessed included: fatigue; malnutrition; fall risk; fear of falling; shortness of breath; incontinence; pain; dizziness; depressive symptoms; cognitive impairment. 80% of patients experienced fatigue at admission, which remained present among 50% up to three months post-discharge. 40% were malnourished at admission, and still 20–30% in the first three months post-discharge. Almost 40% experienced a fall six months prior-hospitalization, and 11–12% had a fall in the first, second and third month respectively. 40% were afraid to fall at admission, 30% in the first months post-discharge. 15–35% experienced shortness of breath, incontinence, pain and dizziness during and post-hospitalization. 22% experienced depressive symptoms at admission, 11% post-discharge. 20% was cognitive impaired at admission, which decreased to 11% post-discharge. At hospital admission and post-discharge, depressive symptoms, malnutrition, fear of falling, shortness of breath and pain were associated with functional decline, readmissions and mortality. Hence, our study underpins the importance of addressing geriatric syndromes in transitional care interventions.