Resnick B, Galik E, Wells PT CL, Boltz M, Holtzman L. Optimizing physical activity among older adults post trauma: Overcoming system and patient challenges.
Int J Orthop Trauma Nurs 2015;
19:194-206. [PMID:
26547682 PMCID:
PMC4637820 DOI:
10.1016/j.ijotn.2015.03.007]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Revised: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
By 2050 it is anticipated that close to half (40%) of all trauma patients will be over the age of 65. Recovery for these individuals is more complicated than among younger individuals. Early mobilization has been shown to improve outcomes. Unfortunately, there are many challenges to early mobilization. The Function Focused Care Intervention was developed to overcome these challenges.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this paper was to describe the initial recruitment of the first 25 participants and delineate the challenges and successes associated with implementation of this intervention.
RESULTS
Overall recruitment rates were consistent with other studies and the intervention was implemented as intended. Most patients were female, white and on average 79 years of age. Optimizing physical activity of patients was a low priority for the nurses with patient safety taking precedence. Patients spent most of the time in bed. Age, depression and tethering were the only factors that were associated with physical activity and functional outcomes of patients.
CONCLUSION
Ongoing work is needed to keep patients physically active in the immediate post trauma recovery period.
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