| Sub-title | |
| Authors | Paul Zammit MD, Dip Ger P Ferry MSc, MRCP |
| Abstract | This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of in-patients over the age of 60 years at St. Lukes hospital who were deemed to be social cases (SC). The majority (58.4%) were female and the mean age was 80 years (range 60-92, SD: 6.7 years). Most (80%) were found in medical wards. The mean length of stay was 22.5 days (range 1-290 days, SD: 36.4 days). Social cases were a frail group with a mean number of co?morbidities of 2.8 (range 0-6, SD:1.5). Dependency level was also high with a mean Barthel score of 6.8 (range 0-20, SD: 7.4). A diagnosis of dementia was documented on the patients medical record in only 12%. However significant low Abbreviated Mental Test scores were found in 64% (mean AMT 5.0, range 0-9, SD: 2.8). These findings illustrate that most social cases at St. Lukes Hospital are not only there for social reasons but also have other factors involved, including a high dependency level in activities of daily living which hamper their discharge to the community. Rehabilitation using an interdisciplinary approach may help the less dependent return to the community. |
Published in: | |
| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | 18 Issue 02 |
| Pages | 17 - 20 |
| Date | |
| Link to journal | |
| Key words | abbreviated mental test, activities of daily living, barthel score, geriatrics, social cases |