Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
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To assess the independent association between health-related quality of life (HRQOL) at admission and mortality, functional decline, and institutionalization 3 and 12 months after admission in acutely hospitalized older adults. ⋯ Higher HRQOL at admission was associated with lower risk of mortality and functional decline 3 months after admission. In older, acutely hospitalized individuals, the EQ-5D may provide a means of risk stratification and may ultimately guide individuals, their families, and professionals in treatment decisions during hospitalization.
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To evaluate whether indices of preinjury health and functioning are associated with risk of incident traumatic brain injury (TBI) with loss of consciousness (LOC) and to evaluate health-related factors associated with mortality in individuals with incident TBI. ⋯ Indices of health, mood, and functional status predict incident TBI with LOC in older adults. These findings may have implications for injury prevention and postinjury clinical management.
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To analyze the costs for long-stay (>90 days) nursing home (NH) decedents with and without hospice care. ⋯ In this analysis of costs to Medicare and Medicaid for long-stay NH decedents, use of hospice did not increase costs in the last 6 months of life. Evidence supporting cost savings is sensitive to analyses that vary the time period before death.