Rehabilitation of older Chinese patients with different cognitive functions: how do they differ in outcome?

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of cognition on functional and motor gain in older Chinese patients undergoing geriatric inpatient rehabilitation.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Geriatric rehabilitation units of 2 convalescence hospitals in Hong Kong.

PARTICIPANTS

Older Chinese patients (N=778).

INTERVENTIONS: Comprehensive geriatric assessment and inpatient rehabilitation by a multidisciplinary team.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cognitive status was assessed with the Cantonese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (C-MMSE). We measured the absolute functional gain and motor gain by using the Barthel Index and Elderly Mobility Scale (EMS) and expressed it as Barthel Index efficacy and EMS efficacy. Relative efficacy was assessed by the Montebello Rehabilitation Factor Score (MRFS). Relative efficiency was deduced by relative efficacy divided by the hospital length of stay (LOS).

RESULTS

There were significant differences in the total Barthel Index and EMS on admission and at discharge, with lower discharge scores in low C-MMSE groups. The change of Barthel Index (Barthel Index efficacy) and EMS (EMS efficacy) during rehabilitation did not differ among different C-MMSE groups. Significant differences were observed in Barthel Index MRFS efficacy and efficiency as well as EMS MRFS efficacy and efficiency in different cognitive groups; those with better cognitive function had better results. Multivariate analysis showed that LOS (odds ratio [OR]=1.02, P=.002) and diagnosis of musculoskeletal problems (OR=2.24, P=.007) were positive predictors for a Barthel Index MRFS efficacy of .25 or higher. C-MMSE was not an independent predictor for a Barthel Index MRFS efficacy of .25 or higher. LOS (OR=1.02, P=.003), admission C-MMSE (OR=1.04, P=.001), body mass index (OR=1.05, P=.006), and diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders (OR=1.75, P=.04) were significant positive predictors for an EMS MRFS efficacy of .25 or higher, whereas urinary incontinence was a negative predictor for EMS MRFS efficacy (OR=0.69, P=.04).

CONCLUSIONS

There was a strong association between admission cognition and relative change in functional and motor efficacy and efficiency. Cognitive function was not associated with absolute functional and motor gain. Cognitive function was an independent predictor for satisfactory mobility outcome but not for functional outcome. Older patients with impaired cognitive function could still benefit from rehabilitation.