A survey of nursing assessment in hospitalized elderly patients

Objective To investigate the situation of admission nursing evaluation on elderly patients of geriatrics departments in several Shanghai comprehensive hospitals, and the results will be the base for designing elderly patient's comprehensive admission nursing evaluation form. Methods 41 nurse managers of geriatrics department in Shanghai comprehensive hospitals were selected as research object. Self-designed questionnaire included general data, elderly patient admission nursing evaluation content and the importance of each item. Results The effective recovery rate was 97.56% (40/41). 98% (39/40) hospitals considered that elderly patients need to have a comprehensive assessment according to the elderly characteristics, only 18% (7/40) hospitals used the special nursing evaluation form for elderly patients. The score of importance of five dimensions were as follows: geriatric syndromes or problems scored (4.64±0.38), physical function assessment scored (4.60±0.46), physiological function assessment scored (4.53±0.45), mental and psychological assessment scored (4.10±0.57) and social assessment scored(4.07±0.52). The score of importance of 29 items were as follows: fall assessment scored (4.90±0.30), pressure ulcer assessment scored (4.85 ± 0.36), activities of daily living scored (4.75 ± 0.44), urinary incontinence assessment scored (4.70 ± 0.52), pain assessment scored (4.70 ± 0.46). Conclusions It is of great significance to carry on the comprehensive admission nursing evaluation for the elderly patients, which needs to be valued and strengthened. Key words: Nursing care; Elderly patients; Comprehensive assessment