[Patient education of elderly with mobility impairments : Conception and evaluation of needs during and after release from a geriatric clinic setting].

BACKGROUND

Patient education can contribute to obtaining and maintaining mobility in elderly with mobility impairments. The aim of this study was to evaluate counseling, training, and information needs in elderly patients with mobility impairments before, during, and after a hospital stay in a geriatric clinic.

METHODS

A prospective longitudinal study was conducted. Needs were assessed at admission (t1), after 2 weeks (t2), at discharge (t3), after 3 months (t4), and after 6 months (t5). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

At almost all time points, there was a need of counseling and information. Counseling needs mainly comprised the themes assistive advices, fall prevention, professional nursing care, other services, nutrition, and pain management. Information needs comprised the themes fall prevention, professional nursing care, other services, assistive devices, nutrition, and modification of living space. There was a need of training mainly at admission and at discharge. Training needs comprised approach to assistive devices and mobility facilitation.

CONCLUSION

Training should include activities related to mobility, while counseling and information should comprise all areas of life.