Impact of nurse-managed health care delivery system on functional abilities of frail elderly

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of nurse-managed coordination of physical therapy relating to maintenance or improvement of functional abilities in frail elderly. A system's theory was used to examine those factors that make a particular population vulnerable, that could affect their health status, use of health services, and health outcomes. Quantitative analysis was used to compare physical functioning scores of frail elderly in two randomized groups in a national community-based nursing demonstration. Further measurements for analysis were taken from physical therapy usage, and physical functioning scores thereafter. The older adults in these two groups were not significantly different in functional performance. They did however demonstrate variations in number of physical therapy visits. Importance to nursing practice is the need to identify risks for altered functional performance in older adults and provide innovative interventions that focus on the needs of the individual the population.