Prevalence of Care Problems in Older Adults in Turkish Hospitals

Objective: Malnutrition, pressure ulcers, falls, pain, and restraints are important quality of care indicators in healthcare settings. The Landelijke Prevalentiemeting Zorgkwaliteit-National Care Indicators Prevalence Study is an annual international multicenter cross-sectional prevalence measurement of care problems in the institution, department, and patient-level across Europe. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of care problems among older adults in Turkish hospitals. Materials and Methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional study was performed using a standardized and tested questionnaire. Data were collected from older adult patients (65 years and over) in the hospitals. The study was conducted in 12 centers from 6 big cities of the country in November 2017 and 2018. Results: Data from 12 Turkish hospitals were collected in 2017 and 2018. In 2017, pressure ulcer prevalence was 6.4%, malnutrition risk was 30.2%, falls was 9.1%, pain was 53%, and restraint was 22.1%. The prevalence of malnutrition risk, falls, and restraints increased to 32.1%, 10.8%, and 31.1% in 2018, respectively. Completely care-dependent patients' rate in 2017 and 2018 was 17.4% and 12.8%, respectively. Protocol/ guideline usage for pressure ulcers, malnutrition, and falls were 100%, which were 68.6% and 16.9% for pain and restraints, respectively. The main interventions for pressure ulcer prevention or treatment are pressure-relieving support surfaces and hydration or nutrition; for malnutrition are referral to a dietician and oral nutritional supplements; and for falls are patients or relative education, drug lists evaluation, bedside mattress utilization, and pharmacological pain treatments. Conclusion: Annual measurement of risk or prevalence, preventive measures, and treatment interventions of geriatric syndromes will provide better care plans for older adults. Keywords: Older people, quality of care, screening