Læknablaðið : fylgirit - 01.06.1982, Page 52

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PATTERNS OF SOCIAL ADMISSIONS TO A GERIATRIC HOSPITAL IN
REYKJAVÍK..
G. Thengilsson, Á. Jónsson. Department of Geriatric ?ledicine
The National Hospital,Reykjavík
Elderly patientsare sometimes admitted to hospital for
a temporary relief to their carers at home. Being primarily
regarded as social cases, these patients may not receive the
same attention as other patients admitted for diagnostic or
remedial purposes. Nevertheless they may have considerable
morbidity and even mortality.
In this paper a retrospective analysis based on 60
social admissions to the Department of Geriatric Medicine at
the National Hospital in Reykjavík during 1981 is presented.
In addition to relief (rest or holiday) admissions, the
primary reasons for admissions included hospital admissions
of the carers, breakdown of the social support or an agree-
ment of a joint care. The relief period, usually agreed for
four weeks, had to be extended to more than 3 months for 11
patients and 3 patients died during iinpatient care. The
levels of disability in terms of mobility and problem list
is discussed. Diseases, not known before admission, were
diagnosed in 50% cases. On discharge from hospital the total
number of drugs taken had not changed but significant
alterations were made. The role of social admissions for
patients, their carers, general practitioners and the
hospital service is discussed.