Factors Affecting Physiotherapy in Elderly Nursing Home Residents
Author Information
Author(s): Chantal J Leemrijse, Marike E de Boer, Cornelia HM van den Ende, Miel W Ribbe, Joost Dekker
Primary Institution: NIVEL (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research)
Hypothesis
The provision of physiotherapy is associated with the characteristics of the residents and the nursing home.
Conclusion
Physiotherapy is most likely provided to residents on a somatic ward who are recently admitted for rehabilitation, indicating a potential under-use of PT for long-term residents with cognitive problems.
Supporting Evidence
- 69% of residents received physiotherapy, but this varied significantly across nursing homes.
- The availability of physiotherapists was a key factor in whether residents received treatment.
- Men were more likely to receive physiotherapy than women.
Takeaway
This study looked at how many elderly people in nursing homes get physical therapy and found that many don't, especially those who might need it the most.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study with a random sample of 600 residents from 15 nursing homes, using interviews and multilevel analysis.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in treatment allocation based on cognitive functioning and gender.
Limitations
The severity of residents' medical problems was not accounted for, and data relied on physician reports which may vary between nursing homes.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of residents was 81.5 years, with 391 women and 209 men.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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