How Does the Geriatric Day Hospital Program at Bruyère Continuing Care Influence Functional Independence Outcomes in its Patients?

Abstract

Programs that address the needs of the elderly are especially important in Canada today as it experiences population aging. There are currently no pretest-posttest studies evaluating functional independence of patients attending the Geriatric Day Hospital at Bruyère Continuing Care in Ottawa, Ontario using the set of indicators and outcome measurement instruments in this study. Evaluation of older patients (age over 65) in this program using various outcome measures was carried out using a single group pretest-post test design. Results showed that there was statistically significant improvement between pretest and post-test scores measuring fear of falling, balance, and functional exercise capacity. However, no significant difference was found between pre- and post-scores for caregiver stress, for which various hypothesized reasons are proposed. There were similar findings for the subgroups analyzed (patients with a history of: stroke or TIA; previous falls; or osteoarthritis) with the exception of fear of falling, which did not show a significant decrease in the stroke subgroup. Some caregivers suggested that “burden” was not an appropriate word for describing their experience, as care-giving was often seen as a moral obligation or an act of love. Future evaluation research using a mixed methods approach and repeated measures design is recommended for a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of this Day Hospital. It may also be of value to compare the different geriatric day hospital programs at the local and regional levels.