Medizinische Universität Graz - Research portal
Selected Publication:
Prieschl, P.
Pflegeabhängigkeit von Erwachsenen in österreichischen Krankenhäusern und Pflegeheimen.
[ Diplomarbeit/Master Thesis ] Graz Medical University; 2010. pp.104.
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- Authors Med Uni Graz:
- Advisor:
- Eichhorn-Kissel Juliane
- Lohrmann Christa
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- Abstract:
- Background: More than 8.2 million people are living in Austria and about 390.000 of them require permanent care. The demographic development expects that the number of older people will increase in the following years. Elderly people are more care dependent than younger ones. No information concerning care dependency could be found in Austrian hospitals or nursing homes, which represents the actual situation. The aim of this master thesis is to describe the situation of care dependency in Austrian healthcare facilities. Methods: At a multicentric cross-sectional study, realized in Austrian hospitals and nursing homes (National Prevalence Measurement of Care Problems 2009), a standardized questionnaire was used to get specific data about care dependency, pressure ulcers, incontinence, malnutrition, intertrigo, falls and physical restraints. Care dependency was measured by the care dependency scale within its 15 items. Results: 2341 patients, respectively nursing home residents of eleven hospitals and six nursing homes took part in the National Prevalence Measurement of Care Problems 2009. Considering both settings, hospitals and nursing homes, patients are rather care independent while nursing home residents are rather care dependent. More than two thirds of the nursing home residents are total care dependent respectively substantial care dependent. In comparison to this number, only 12 % of the hospital patients are dependent on care. Concerning the single care dependency scale items, men and women in hospitals and nursing homes almost show identical care dependency values. The fact that the care dependency increases with age could only be proved in hospitals. Discussion: The data of the prevalence measurement gave a first insight into the phenomenon of care dependency by patients and nursing home residents in Austrian healthcare facilities. With this measurement it was possible to show in which domains a dependency exists and where nursing support and aid is needed. Further research should be done in hospitals and nursing homes to compare results longitudinal and analyze further research.