[Which characteristics of vulnerable older adults are associated with the discharge destination after hospitalization? A retrospective study].

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the association between the physical, social, and cognitive characteristics of acutely admitted older individuals and their discharge destination.

Method: Retrospective study including consecutive individuals aged 65 or older who were acutely admitted to an academic hospital. From these, patients who had been living independently and were clinically judged to have an increased risk of falling or physical limitations upon admission were selected. In addition to sociodemographic and medical characteristics, the following measurements of physical and cognitive functioning were conducted at admission or shortly thereafter: the Katz-ADL, handgrip strength, Timed-Up-and-Go test, 4-Meter-Walk Test, and the Six-item Cognitive Impairment Test (6-CIT). Univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to compare the characteristics of patients discharged home or not.

Results: Among the 49 patients who were included (mean age 81 (standard deviation ± 7,8) years, 24 (49% ) female), 20 (41%) were not discharged home. In the univariate comparisons, patients not discharged home were statistically significantly older, less often admitted for infection, and had worse scores on all measures of physical and cognitive functioning. In the multivariate analysis adjusted for age, only a worse Katz-ADL score was associated with not being discharged home.

Conclusion: In older, independently living vulnerable patients who were acutely admitted to a hospital physical functioning as measured by the Katz-ADL at admission was most strongly associated with the discharge destination.