Goals and outcomes of hospitalised older people: does the current hospital care match the needs of older people?

Abstract

BACKGROUND\nDue to the rising number of acutely hospitalised older people in the coming years, there is increased interest in tailoring care to the individual goals and preferences of patients in order to reach patient-centered care.\n\n\nAIMS\nThis study aimed to investigate the goals of older hospitalised patients and the extent to which these goals were reached during hospitalisation.\n\n\nMETHODS\nA single centre prospective cohort study was performed in the Netherlands between December 2017 and January 2018. Participants aged 70\u2009years or older were included. In the first three days of hospitalisation, a semi-structured interview was conducted to assess the patient goals regarding the hospital admission. One to two weeks after discharge patients were asked to which extent the recent hospitalisation had contributed to reaching their goals.\n\n\nRESULTS\nOne-hundred-and-four patients were included and for 86 patients follow-up was completed. The main goals reported at hospital admission were remaining alive (72.1%), feeling better (71.2%) and improving condition (65,4%). Hospitalisation seemed to have a positive contribution to reaching the goals remaining alive , knowing what is wrong , feeling better , reducing pain and controlling disease . Hospitalisation seemed to contribute little to reaching the goals in the categories enjoying life , independency and freedom , improving daily functioning , hobbies and work and social functioning .\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nIt is important for healthcare professionals to know the goals of their patients. The majority of these goals were not achieved at hospital discharge. It is important to be aware of this, so sufficient aftercare can be arranged, and patients can be prepared. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.