Medical complications and outcomes at an onsite rehabilitation unit for older people

Background

The rehabilitation of older patients in Ireland after an acute medical event occurs at dedicated onsite hospital units or at offsite centres. Information on medical complications and outcomes is inadequate.

Aims

Enumeration of medical complications of patients admitted to a dedicated onsite rehabilitation unit for older people, and the extent of co-morbidity in the population with the effects that this had on the evolution of medical complications.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients admitted to a 58-bed onsite unit over a 1-year period was performed. Information collating co-morbidities, medical complications and functional outcomes was recorded.

Results

Medical complications occurred in almost 95 % of patients, where full data were available. Over one-third required intravenous therapy.

Conclusion

Twenty-four hour medical cover is required for older patients managed at onsite rehabilitation units. Further studies on offsite medical rehabilitation facilities for older patients are required.