Clinical Factors Mediating Physical Function and Participation in Function Focused Care Among Hospitalized Persons With Dementia.

BACKGROUND

Function Focused Care (FFC) encourages mobility during hospitalization, but participation varies. This study examined whether cognitive function, delirium severity, behavioral symptoms, and pain mediate the relationship between physical function and FFC participation.

METHODS

Discharge data from the FFC for the acute care trial (N=428) were analyzed. Physical function was the independent variable, FFC participation the outcome, and cognitive function, delirium severity, behavioral symptoms, and pain were tested as potential mediators. A multiple mediation model assessed indirect effects.

RESULTS

Indirect effects through cognitive function (B=0.125, 95% CI [0.064-0.184]) and delirium severity (B=0.110, 95% CI [0.052- 0.168]) were significant, accounting for 24.5% and 21.6% of the total effect, respectively. Indirect effects through behavioral symptoms and pain were not significant.

CONCLUSION

Findings highlight cognitive function and delirium severity as key factors influencing FFC participation during hospitalization, underscoring the importance of tailoring strategies to enhance engagement in mobility-focused interventions among persons living with dementia.