Wiesław Fidecki
Mariusz Wysokiński
Irena Wrońska
Robert Ślusarz
Elements of a complex geriatric assessment in a nursing practice
Wiesław Fidecki
Mariusz Wysokiński
Irena Wrońska
Robert Ślusarz
Katedra Rozwoju Pielęgniarstwa, Uniwersytet Medyczny w Lublinie
Katedra Rozwoju Pielęgniarstwa, Uniwersytet Medyczny w Lublinie
Katedra Rozwoju Pielęgniarstwa, Uniwersytet Medyczny w Lublinie
Zakład Pielęgniarstwa Neurologicznego i Neurochirurgicznego Collegium Medicum UMK w Bydgoszczy
Abstract
Introduction: A complex geriatric assessment is a multidimensional and interdisciplinary diagnostic process aimed at specifying medical, mental, and physical problems as well as functional potential of elderly people.
Aim : The work aimed at assessing biological, psychological and social state of elderly people by means of the NOSGER scale.
Material and methods: The research involved 202 elderly people provided with long-term care in the podkarpackie voivodeship. The research material was collected by means of the NOSGER scale (Nurses’ Observation Scale for Geriatric Patients). The scale consists of 30 questions comprising six spheres: memory, instrumental activities of everyday life, everyday life activities, moods and emotions, disrupting behaviours, and social behaviours. A patient may score from 30 to 150 points, the more points they score throughout their observation, the worse their state. The tool facilitates caregivers to assess an elderly person’s physical, mental and social state promptly and easily.
Results: A general state of patients by means of the NOSGER scale averaged out at the level of 71.04. Investigated patients functioned best within the scope of disrupting behaviours (7.83), memory (10.22), moods and emotions (11.31). They functioned slightly worse within the scope of everyday life (12.20) and social behaviours (13.38). Elderly patients functioned considerably worst within the scope of instrumental everyday life activities (16.08).
Conclusions: The investigated cohort of elderly people proved to have a low level of biological, psychological and social fitness. The greatest deficit was found within the scope of instrumental everyday life activities. A type of patient’s condition and a type of long-term care institution where they stayed considerably affected investigated patients’ fitness.
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