Functional and self-efficacy changes of patients admitted to a Geriatric Rehabilitation Unit

Abstract

Background: Geriatric Rehabilitation Units (GRUs) have been established to restore functional abilities of older hospitalized patients. Although considerable health care resources have been allocated to these units, few outcome-based research studies have been reported on Canadian GRUs.

Aim: The aim of this paper is to report a study examining the effect of admission to a GRU on changes in patients' functional ability and self-efficacy in performing everyday activities at home.

Methods: Following Institutional Review Board approval, data were collected from 40 patients age 65-101 years (mean 83.8, sd 6.57) admitted to a 21-bed interdisciplinary GRUs over a 7-month period. All were living independently prior to hospital admission. Data were collected on admission to the unit and on discharge using two instruments: the Functional Independence Measure and Falls Efficacy Scale.

Results: Statistically significant improvements were found in functional ability and self-efficacy following admission to the GRUs.

Conclusions: Although functional level and feelings of self-efficacy on admission to the unit were at levels which may have prevented participants from returning home, the majority were discharged to the community. Results suggest that admission to a GRU helps prepare patients to return to community living.