Outcomes of a behavioral unit in an acute aged care service

This study involves a retrospective review of the patients admitted to a unit providing specialized management to patients displaying difficult behaviors due to delirium and/or dementia. Medical records from 45 consecutive admissions have been reviewed. A great proportion of patients had dementia with superimposed delirium. Compared to care in general aged care wards, there was no reduction in length of stay (LOS) of patients in this study, ostensibly due to the delayed placement for long-term care. However there was a marked reduction in fall incidence and lesser use of ‘specials’. Psychotropic medications (PMs) were frequently used but their indications were carefully reviewed. Upon discharge there was improvement in the behavioral profile of the patients. Questionnaires completed by carers and staff were used to further assess the efficacy of the unit. There was general satisfaction of the care provided in the unit whist a few areas have been identified that require further attention. This model of intervention presents an improvement to the quality of care for acutely ill elderly patients with behavioral problems.