Geriatric Syndromes From Admission to 3 Months Post-Discharge and Their Association With Recovery

Studies have addressed the prevalence of geriatric syndromes during hospitalization and showed their association with adverse outcomes. However, data on their course post-discharge and association with recovery are scarce. This study assessed the course of geriatric syndromes from admission until discharge and then monthly until three months post-discharge and their impact on functional decline, readmission, and mortality. A multi-center cohort study, the Hospital-Associated Disability and Impact on Daily Life (Hopital-ADL) study, was conducted, including 400 acutely hospitalized patients aged ≥70 years admitted to an internal, cardiology or geriatric ward from 6 Dutch hospitals. Geriatric syndromes that were assessed included: fatigue; malnutrition; fall risk; fear of falling; shortness of breath; incontinence; pain; dizziness; depressive symptoms; cognitive impairment. 80% of patients experienced fatigue at admission, which remained present among 50% up to three months post-discharge. 40% were malnourished at admission, and still 20–30% in the first three months post-discharge. Almost 40% experienced a fall six months prior-hospitalization, and 11–12% had a fall in the first, second and third month respectively. 40% were afraid to fall at admission, 30% in the first months post-discharge. 15–35% experienced shortness of breath, incontinence, pain and dizziness during and post-hospitalization. 22% experienced depressive symptoms at admission, 11% post-discharge. 20% was cognitive impaired at admission, which decreased to 11% post-discharge. At hospital admission and post-discharge, depressive symptoms, malnutrition, fear of falling, shortness of breath and pain were associated with functional decline, readmissions and mortality. Hence, our study underpins the importance of addressing geriatric syndromes in transitional care interventions.