Study shows ward changes are linked to longer hospital stays for people with dementia
A study published in Age and Ageing has shown that ward changes are linked to longer hospital stays for people with dementia.
Researchers used data from nearly 20,000 patients aged 65 or over at Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust’s four hospitals in Greater Manchester between January 2023 and February 2024. Their findings suggest that each change of ward meant five extra days in hospital for older people and a further 1.7 days for those with dementia.
Previous studies have found that room or ward changes increases older people’s length of stay and risk of delirium and falls, but the impact of ward changes on people with dementia hadn’t been explored previously.
Lead author on the study Dr Emma Elliott, Postdoctoral Researcher and Research Associate, Healthy Ageing Theme, National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration Greater Manchester (NIHR ARC-GM), says:
“We know that hospital stays can be particularly challenging for people living with dementia, and on a personal level I know the impact this can have on both patients and their families. Our study provides evidence that people with dementia are more negatively affected when they are moved between wards, with these moves associated with longer hospital stays. This reinforces the need to ensure such moves are only made when absolutely necessary.”
You can read the study here: https://academic.oup.com/ageing/article/55/1/afaf372/8425990