Chronic pain is common in the elderly, but it is often under-estimated and under-treated. The aim... more Chronic pain is common in the elderly, but it is often under-estimated and under-treated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of chronic pain in nursing home residents and to analyze its influence on patient's QoL and functional status. We studied 105 patients (mean age 82.2 AE 9 years), living in two nursing homes in Torino, Italy. The McGill Pain Questionnaire (MGPQ), the Visual Analogical Scale (VAS) and the Face Pain Scale (FPS) were used to test pain. Depression, functional and cognitive status were also evaluated by using specific instruments, such as the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments were documented. It was found that chronic pain was present in 82.9% of the sample; it lasted over 24 months and it was persistent in half of them (49.4%). We observed that chronic pain in the elderly has a strong affective component and its intensity influences older patients' mood, nutrition, sleep and QoL. Our study showed that chronic pain was under-treated. We conclude that chronic pain in institutionalized elderly is common and worsens patients' QoL. It is important to assess and manage pain as a relevant problem in particular for the population at increased risk for under-recognition and under-treatment. # Pathologies, n (%) Cardiovascular system 69 (65.7) Pulmonary system 23 (21.9) Osteo-articular system 60 (57.1) Neurological system 33 (31.4) Gastro-intestinal disease 37 (35.2) Urological system 26 (24.8) Endocrinal-metabolic diseases 23 (21.9) Neoplasm 8 (7.6)
Objective: Aim of the study was to describe which elements lead to the prescription of antithromb... more Objective: Aim of the study was to describe which elements lead to the prescription of antithrombotic therapy in a population of elderly patients, and their follow-up.
The level of disability and polypathology in hospitalized elderly is usually high. Multidimension... more The level of disability and polypathology in hospitalized elderly is usually high. Multidimensional and functional assessment allows to identify risk factors for clinical and functional failure of patients. Many studies point out that identifying predictors of high-risk patients is a necessary step in accurate targeting. We evaluated 395 subjects (175 women, 202 men, mean age 77.9 year) during their hospitalization in our Geriatric ward. Baseline data included: demographics variables, medical diagnosis, functional evaluation, and laboratory values. After a 6-month follow up 80 (20.2%) subjects died. In our study, male gender, dependence at the Dependence Medical Index (DMI), low serum albumin (< 2.8 g/dl), impaired score at the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale (IADL), score lower than 13.7 at the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II) and neoplasm were independent predictors of 6-month post-hospitalization mortality. The high mortality rate of our sample could be a marker of considerable frailty among elderly patients. Our study shows that a poor functional status is a more reliable prognostic factor than type and number of admitting diagnosis. Clinical evaluation, improved with information about functional status, is a feasible and practical way of detecting risk of short term post-hospitalization mortality of elderly subjects.
Chronic pain is common in the elderly, but it is often under-estimated and under-treated. The aim... more Chronic pain is common in the elderly, but it is often under-estimated and under-treated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of chronic pain in nursing home residents and to analyze its influence on patient's QoL and functional status. We studied 105 patients (mean age 82.2 AE 9 years), living in two nursing homes in Torino, Italy. The McGill Pain Questionnaire (MGPQ), the Visual Analogical Scale (VAS) and the Face Pain Scale (FPS) were used to test pain. Depression, functional and cognitive status were also evaluated by using specific instruments, such as the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments were documented. It was found that chronic pain was present in 82.9% of the sample; it lasted over 24 months and it was persistent in half of them (49.4%). We observed that chronic pain in the elderly has a strong affective component and its intensity influences older patients' mood, nutrition, sleep and QoL. Our study showed that chronic pain was under-treated. We conclude that chronic pain in institutionalized elderly is common and worsens patients' QoL. It is important to assess and manage pain as a relevant problem in particular for the population at increased risk for under-recognition and under-treatment. # Pathologies, n (%) Cardiovascular system 69 (65.7) Pulmonary system 23 (21.9) Osteo-articular system 60 (57.1) Neurological system 33 (31.4) Gastro-intestinal disease 37 (35.2) Urological system 26 (24.8) Endocrinal-metabolic diseases 23 (21.9) Neoplasm 8 (7.6)
Objective: Aim of the study was to describe which elements lead to the prescription of antithromb... more Objective: Aim of the study was to describe which elements lead to the prescription of antithrombotic therapy in a population of elderly patients, and their follow-up.
The level of disability and polypathology in hospitalized elderly is usually high. Multidimension... more The level of disability and polypathology in hospitalized elderly is usually high. Multidimensional and functional assessment allows to identify risk factors for clinical and functional failure of patients. Many studies point out that identifying predictors of high-risk patients is a necessary step in accurate targeting. We evaluated 395 subjects (175 women, 202 men, mean age 77.9 year) during their hospitalization in our Geriatric ward. Baseline data included: demographics variables, medical diagnosis, functional evaluation, and laboratory values. After a 6-month follow up 80 (20.2%) subjects died. In our study, male gender, dependence at the Dependence Medical Index (DMI), low serum albumin (< 2.8 g/dl), impaired score at the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale (IADL), score lower than 13.7 at the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II) and neoplasm were independent predictors of 6-month post-hospitalization mortality. The high mortality rate of our sample could be a marker of considerable frailty among elderly patients. Our study shows that a poor functional status is a more reliable prognostic factor than type and number of admitting diagnosis. Clinical evaluation, improved with information about functional status, is a feasible and practical way of detecting risk of short term post-hospitalization mortality of elderly subjects.
Chronic pain is common in the elderly, but it is often under-estimated and under-treated. The aim... more Chronic pain is common in the elderly, but it is often under-estimated and under-treated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of chronic pain in nursing home residents and to analyze its influence on patient's QoL and functional status. We studied 105 patients (mean age 82.2 AE 9 years), living in two nursing homes in Torino, Italy. The McGill Pain Questionnaire (MGPQ), the Visual Analogical Scale (VAS) and the Face Pain Scale (FPS) were used to test pain. Depression, functional and cognitive status were also evaluated by using specific instruments, such as the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments were documented. It was found that chronic pain was present in 82.9% of the sample; it lasted over 24 months and it was persistent in half of them (49.4%). We observed that chronic pain in the elderly has a strong affective component and its intensity influences older patients' mood, nutrition, sleep and QoL. Our study showed that chronic pain was under-treated. We conclude that chronic pain in institutionalized elderly is common and worsens patients' QoL. It is important to assess and manage pain as a relevant problem in particular for the population at increased risk for under-recognition and under-treatment. # Pathologies, n (%) Cardiovascular system 69 (65.7) Pulmonary system 23 (21.9) Osteo-articular system 60 (57.1) Neurological system 33 (31.4) Gastro-intestinal disease 37 (35.2) Urological system 26 (24.8) Endocrinal-metabolic diseases 23 (21.9) Neoplasm 8 (7.6)
Objective: Aim of the study was to describe which elements lead to the prescription of antithromb... more Objective: Aim of the study was to describe which elements lead to the prescription of antithrombotic therapy in a population of elderly patients, and their follow-up.
The level of disability and polypathology in hospitalized elderly is usually high. Multidimension... more The level of disability and polypathology in hospitalized elderly is usually high. Multidimensional and functional assessment allows to identify risk factors for clinical and functional failure of patients. Many studies point out that identifying predictors of high-risk patients is a necessary step in accurate targeting. We evaluated 395 subjects (175 women, 202 men, mean age 77.9 year) during their hospitalization in our Geriatric ward. Baseline data included: demographics variables, medical diagnosis, functional evaluation, and laboratory values. After a 6-month follow up 80 (20.2%) subjects died. In our study, male gender, dependence at the Dependence Medical Index (DMI), low serum albumin (< 2.8 g/dl), impaired score at the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale (IADL), score lower than 13.7 at the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II) and neoplasm were independent predictors of 6-month post-hospitalization mortality. The high mortality rate of our sample could be a marker of considerable frailty among elderly patients. Our study shows that a poor functional status is a more reliable prognostic factor than type and number of admitting diagnosis. Clinical evaluation, improved with information about functional status, is a feasible and practical way of detecting risk of short term post-hospitalization mortality of elderly subjects.
Chronic pain is common in the elderly, but it is often under-estimated and under-treated. The aim... more Chronic pain is common in the elderly, but it is often under-estimated and under-treated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of chronic pain in nursing home residents and to analyze its influence on patient's QoL and functional status. We studied 105 patients (mean age 82.2 AE 9 years), living in two nursing homes in Torino, Italy. The McGill Pain Questionnaire (MGPQ), the Visual Analogical Scale (VAS) and the Face Pain Scale (FPS) were used to test pain. Depression, functional and cognitive status were also evaluated by using specific instruments, such as the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments were documented. It was found that chronic pain was present in 82.9% of the sample; it lasted over 24 months and it was persistent in half of them (49.4%). We observed that chronic pain in the elderly has a strong affective component and its intensity influences older patients' mood, nutrition, sleep and QoL. Our study showed that chronic pain was under-treated. We conclude that chronic pain in institutionalized elderly is common and worsens patients' QoL. It is important to assess and manage pain as a relevant problem in particular for the population at increased risk for under-recognition and under-treatment. # Pathologies, n (%) Cardiovascular system 69 (65.7) Pulmonary system 23 (21.9) Osteo-articular system 60 (57.1) Neurological system 33 (31.4) Gastro-intestinal disease 37 (35.2) Urological system 26 (24.8) Endocrinal-metabolic diseases 23 (21.9) Neoplasm 8 (7.6)
Objective: Aim of the study was to describe which elements lead to the prescription of antithromb... more Objective: Aim of the study was to describe which elements lead to the prescription of antithrombotic therapy in a population of elderly patients, and their follow-up.
The level of disability and polypathology in hospitalized elderly is usually high. Multidimension... more The level of disability and polypathology in hospitalized elderly is usually high. Multidimensional and functional assessment allows to identify risk factors for clinical and functional failure of patients. Many studies point out that identifying predictors of high-risk patients is a necessary step in accurate targeting. We evaluated 395 subjects (175 women, 202 men, mean age 77.9 year) during their hospitalization in our Geriatric ward. Baseline data included: demographics variables, medical diagnosis, functional evaluation, and laboratory values. After a 6-month follow up 80 (20.2%) subjects died. In our study, male gender, dependence at the Dependence Medical Index (DMI), low serum albumin (< 2.8 g/dl), impaired score at the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale (IADL), score lower than 13.7 at the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II) and neoplasm were independent predictors of 6-month post-hospitalization mortality. The high mortality rate of our sample could be a marker of considerable frailty among elderly patients. Our study shows that a poor functional status is a more reliable prognostic factor than type and number of admitting diagnosis. Clinical evaluation, improved with information about functional status, is a feasible and practical way of detecting risk of short term post-hospitalization mortality of elderly subjects.
Chronic pain is common in the elderly, but it is often under-estimated and under-treated. The aim... more Chronic pain is common in the elderly, but it is often under-estimated and under-treated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of chronic pain in nursing home residents and to analyze its influence on patient's QoL and functional status. We studied 105 patients (mean age 82.2 AE 9 years), living in two nursing homes in Torino, Italy. The McGill Pain Questionnaire (MGPQ), the Visual Analogical Scale (VAS) and the Face Pain Scale (FPS) were used to test pain. Depression, functional and cognitive status were also evaluated by using specific instruments, such as the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments were documented. It was found that chronic pain was present in 82.9% of the sample; it lasted over 24 months and it was persistent in half of them (49.4%). We observed that chronic pain in the elderly has a strong affective component and its intensity influences older patients' mood, nutrition, sleep and QoL. Our study showed that chronic pain was under-treated. We conclude that chronic pain in institutionalized elderly is common and worsens patients' QoL. It is important to assess and manage pain as a relevant problem in particular for the population at increased risk for under-recognition and under-treatment. # Pathologies, n (%) Cardiovascular system 69 (65.7) Pulmonary system 23 (21.9) Osteo-articular system 60 (57.1) Neurological system 33 (31.4) Gastro-intestinal disease 37 (35.2) Urological system 26 (24.8) Endocrinal-metabolic diseases 23 (21.9) Neoplasm 8 (7.6)
Objective: Aim of the study was to describe which elements lead to the prescription of antithromb... more Objective: Aim of the study was to describe which elements lead to the prescription of antithrombotic therapy in a population of elderly patients, and their follow-up.
The level of disability and polypathology in hospitalized elderly is usually high. Multidimension... more The level of disability and polypathology in hospitalized elderly is usually high. Multidimensional and functional assessment allows to identify risk factors for clinical and functional failure of patients. Many studies point out that identifying predictors of high-risk patients is a necessary step in accurate targeting. We evaluated 395 subjects (175 women, 202 men, mean age 77.9 year) during their hospitalization in our Geriatric ward. Baseline data included: demographics variables, medical diagnosis, functional evaluation, and laboratory values. After a 6-month follow up 80 (20.2%) subjects died. In our study, male gender, dependence at the Dependence Medical Index (DMI), low serum albumin (< 2.8 g/dl), impaired score at the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale (IADL), score lower than 13.7 at the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II) and neoplasm were independent predictors of 6-month post-hospitalization mortality. The high mortality rate of our sample could be a marker of considerable frailty among elderly patients. Our study shows that a poor functional status is a more reliable prognostic factor than type and number of admitting diagnosis. Clinical evaluation, improved with information about functional status, is a feasible and practical way of detecting risk of short term post-hospitalization mortality of elderly subjects.
Chronic pain is common in the elderly, but it is often under-estimated and under-treated. The aim... more Chronic pain is common in the elderly, but it is often under-estimated and under-treated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of chronic pain in nursing home residents and to analyze its influence on patient's QoL and functional status. We studied 105 patients (mean age 82.2 AE 9 years), living in two nursing homes in Torino, Italy. The McGill Pain Questionnaire (MGPQ), the Visual Analogical Scale (VAS) and the Face Pain Scale (FPS) were used to test pain. Depression, functional and cognitive status were also evaluated by using specific instruments, such as the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments were documented. It was found that chronic pain was present in 82.9% of the sample; it lasted over 24 months and it was persistent in half of them (49.4%). We observed that chronic pain in the elderly has a strong affective component and its intensity influences older patients' mood, nutrition, sleep and QoL. Our study showed that chronic pain was under-treated. We conclude that chronic pain in institutionalized elderly is common and worsens patients' QoL. It is important to assess and manage pain as a relevant problem in particular for the population at increased risk for under-recognition and under-treatment. # Pathologies, n (%) Cardiovascular system 69 (65.7) Pulmonary system 23 (21.9) Osteo-articular system 60 (57.1) Neurological system 33 (31.4) Gastro-intestinal disease 37 (35.2) Urological system 26 (24.8) Endocrinal-metabolic diseases 23 (21.9) Neoplasm 8 (7.6)
Objective: Aim of the study was to describe which elements lead to the prescription of antithromb... more Objective: Aim of the study was to describe which elements lead to the prescription of antithrombotic therapy in a population of elderly patients, and their follow-up.
The level of disability and polypathology in hospitalized elderly is usually high. Multidimension... more The level of disability and polypathology in hospitalized elderly is usually high. Multidimensional and functional assessment allows to identify risk factors for clinical and functional failure of patients. Many studies point out that identifying predictors of high-risk patients is a necessary step in accurate targeting. We evaluated 395 subjects (175 women, 202 men, mean age 77.9 year) during their hospitalization in our Geriatric ward. Baseline data included: demographics variables, medical diagnosis, functional evaluation, and laboratory values. After a 6-month follow up 80 (20.2%) subjects died. In our study, male gender, dependence at the Dependence Medical Index (DMI), low serum albumin (< 2.8 g/dl), impaired score at the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale (IADL), score lower than 13.7 at the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II) and neoplasm were independent predictors of 6-month post-hospitalization mortality. The high mortality rate of our sample could be a marker of considerable frailty among elderly patients. Our study shows that a poor functional status is a more reliable prognostic factor than type and number of admitting diagnosis. Clinical evaluation, improved with information about functional status, is a feasible and practical way of detecting risk of short term post-hospitalization mortality of elderly subjects.
Chronic pain is common in the elderly, but it is often under-estimated and under-treated. The aim... more Chronic pain is common in the elderly, but it is often under-estimated and under-treated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of chronic pain in nursing home residents and to analyze its influence on patient's QoL and functional status. We studied 105 patients (mean age 82.2 AE 9 years), living in two nursing homes in Torino, Italy. The McGill Pain Questionnaire (MGPQ), the Visual Analogical Scale (VAS) and the Face Pain Scale (FPS) were used to test pain. Depression, functional and cognitive status were also evaluated by using specific instruments, such as the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments were documented. It was found that chronic pain was present in 82.9% of the sample; it lasted over 24 months and it was persistent in half of them (49.4%). We observed that chronic pain in the elderly has a strong affective component and its intensity influences older patients' mood, nutrition, sleep and QoL. Our study showed that chronic pain was under-treated. We conclude that chronic pain in institutionalized elderly is common and worsens patients' QoL. It is important to assess and manage pain as a relevant problem in particular for the population at increased risk for under-recognition and under-treatment. # Pathologies, n (%) Cardiovascular system 69 (65.7) Pulmonary system 23 (21.9) Osteo-articular system 60 (57.1) Neurological system 33 (31.4) Gastro-intestinal disease 37 (35.2) Urological system 26 (24.8) Endocrinal-metabolic diseases 23 (21.9) Neoplasm 8 (7.6)
Objective: Aim of the study was to describe which elements lead to the prescription of antithromb... more Objective: Aim of the study was to describe which elements lead to the prescription of antithrombotic therapy in a population of elderly patients, and their follow-up.
The level of disability and polypathology in hospitalized elderly is usually high. Multidimension... more The level of disability and polypathology in hospitalized elderly is usually high. Multidimensional and functional assessment allows to identify risk factors for clinical and functional failure of patients. Many studies point out that identifying predictors of high-risk patients is a necessary step in accurate targeting. We evaluated 395 subjects (175 women, 202 men, mean age 77.9 year) during their hospitalization in our Geriatric ward. Baseline data included: demographics variables, medical diagnosis, functional evaluation, and laboratory values. After a 6-month follow up 80 (20.2%) subjects died. In our study, male gender, dependence at the Dependence Medical Index (DMI), low serum albumin (< 2.8 g/dl), impaired score at the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale (IADL), score lower than 13.7 at the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II) and neoplasm were independent predictors of 6-month post-hospitalization mortality. The high mortality rate of our sample could be a marker of considerable frailty among elderly patients. Our study shows that a poor functional status is a more reliable prognostic factor than type and number of admitting diagnosis. Clinical evaluation, improved with information about functional status, is a feasible and practical way of detecting risk of short term post-hospitalization mortality of elderly subjects.
Chronic pain is common in the elderly, but it is often under-estimated and under-treated. The aim... more Chronic pain is common in the elderly, but it is often under-estimated and under-treated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of chronic pain in nursing home residents and to analyze its influence on patient's QoL and functional status. We studied 105 patients (mean age 82.2 AE 9 years), living in two nursing homes in Torino, Italy. The McGill Pain Questionnaire (MGPQ), the Visual Analogical Scale (VAS) and the Face Pain Scale (FPS) were used to test pain. Depression, functional and cognitive status were also evaluated by using specific instruments, such as the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments were documented. It was found that chronic pain was present in 82.9% of the sample; it lasted over 24 months and it was persistent in half of them (49.4%). We observed that chronic pain in the elderly has a strong affective component and its intensity influences older patients' mood, nutrition, sleep and QoL. Our study showed that chronic pain was under-treated. We conclude that chronic pain in institutionalized elderly is common and worsens patients' QoL. It is important to assess and manage pain as a relevant problem in particular for the population at increased risk for under-recognition and under-treatment. # Pathologies, n (%) Cardiovascular system 69 (65.7) Pulmonary system 23 (21.9) Osteo-articular system 60 (57.1) Neurological system 33 (31.4) Gastro-intestinal disease 37 (35.2) Urological system 26 (24.8) Endocrinal-metabolic diseases 23 (21.9) Neoplasm 8 (7.6)
Objective: Aim of the study was to describe which elements lead to the prescription of antithromb... more Objective: Aim of the study was to describe which elements lead to the prescription of antithrombotic therapy in a population of elderly patients, and their follow-up.
The level of disability and polypathology in hospitalized elderly is usually high. Multidimension... more The level of disability and polypathology in hospitalized elderly is usually high. Multidimensional and functional assessment allows to identify risk factors for clinical and functional failure of patients. Many studies point out that identifying predictors of high-risk patients is a necessary step in accurate targeting. We evaluated 395 subjects (175 women, 202 men, mean age 77.9 year) during their hospitalization in our Geriatric ward. Baseline data included: demographics variables, medical diagnosis, functional evaluation, and laboratory values. After a 6-month follow up 80 (20.2%) subjects died. In our study, male gender, dependence at the Dependence Medical Index (DMI), low serum albumin (< 2.8 g/dl), impaired score at the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale (IADL), score lower than 13.7 at the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II) and neoplasm were independent predictors of 6-month post-hospitalization mortality. The high mortality rate of our sample could be a marker of considerable frailty among elderly patients. Our study shows that a poor functional status is a more reliable prognostic factor than type and number of admitting diagnosis. Clinical evaluation, improved with information about functional status, is a feasible and practical way of detecting risk of short term post-hospitalization mortality of elderly subjects.
Uploads
Papers by Elena Nicola