CARe SIG Event: Rehabilitation Strategies for Older Adults with Hospital Associated Deconditioning

When: Tuesday, January 17 from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. 

Where: University of Colorado Hospital, Anschutz, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO 80045

In-Patient Pavilion 2 (new tower), room 11.511

Description:

Declines in physical function as a result of acute illness and subsequent hospitalization are strongly and independently associated with a number of adverse health events for older adults. Physical therapy may be the ideal venue for addressing these declines in physical function because millions of older adults receive PT services following discharge from acute or post-acute facilities. However, as currently structured, these services do not appear to adequately restore function, as evidenced by poor long-term outcomes and high rates of hospital readmission. Diminished physical function has been particularly implicated as a risk factor for re-hospitalization-older adults with lower levels of ambulatory activity are 6 times more likely to be re-hospitalized than those with greater ambulatory activity. A more intensive approach to physical therapy, in combination with improved nutritional support and care communication, for older adults has great potential to maximize physical function and reduce hospital readmissions. The purpose of this talk is to outline the evidence for optimal treatment of hospital associated deconditioning, and describe a current study ongoing to test these interventions. We will also discuss how to best identify, recruit and retain these patients within a clinical trial.

Objectives:

1.) Describe the current evidence for treating hospital associated deconditioning in older adults

2.) Evaluate the evidence for physical therapy interventions for older adults after acute hospitalization

3.) Describe clinical trial design for testing different physical therapy interventions for this population

 Register Here.