[Dementia-specific characteristics of patients with fall-related femur fractures : A case study based on routine hospital data of patients with unspecified dementia].

BACKGROUND

A fall-related femur fracture is one of the most frequent reasons for hospital admission of patients with dementia. The aim of the study was to identify dementia-specific characteristics of patients with fall-related femur fractures and additionally an unspecified dementia in order to gain further knowledge about this particular patient group.

METHODS

A descriptive explorative case study with a single case-embedded design based on routine hospital data from a university hospital was performed. A total number of 34 patient records from 2015 were analyzed. In the embedded unit of analysis I the data of selected items of the nursing assessment AcuteCare (ePA-AC©) were descriptively analyzed for the time of admission and discharge. In the embedded unit of analysis II a summarizing inductive content analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

The results of the embedded unit of analysis I showed that this patient group is characterized by a high need for care, changes of cognition and behavioral symptoms. The status of cognition, behavior and reciprocity as well as the self-care index stagnated or deteriorated in many patients from admission to discharge. The embedded unit of analysis II identified observable (social)behavior, (non)compliance and orientation as central dementia-specific characteristics.

CONCLUSION

The results reflect the complexity of the care situation of patients with unspecified dementia in acute care hospitals. The results showed that a higher awareness for this particular patient group is needed to improve outcomes.