Higher Charlson Comorbidity Index scores do not influence Functional Independence Measure score gains in older rehabilitation patients. (12th September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bernard, Sarah; Inderjeeth, Charles; Raymond, Warren
• Is Part Of: Australasian journal on ageing. Volume 35:Number 4(2016)
• Page Start: 236
• Page End: 241
• Publication Date: 2016-09-12
• Subjects: comorbidity -- hospitals -- rehabilitation; Older people -- Periodicals; Older people -- Australia -- Periodicals; Old age -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1111/ajag.12351
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1440-6381

Abstract

Abstract : Aim: To assess the effect of age‐adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score on Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score gain in older rehabilitation patients. Methods: This prospective cohort study observed 306 older rehabilitation patients admitted to a secondary hospital between February and April 2015. Groups were compared using CCI score cut‐offs of ≤4, 5–6 and ≥ 7. Results: Complete FIM data were available for 280 patients. The mean age‐adjusted CCI score was 5.59 ± 1.96. An age‐adjusted CCI score ≤4 correlated with higher FIM scores at admission P = 0.015, and discharge P = 0.002, but not with a greater gain in FIM score P = 0.067 . There were no significant between‐group differences in mortality, hospital transfers or length of stay . Conclusion: The Charlson age‐comorbidity index was not a prognostic marker for FIM gain. Age and comorbidity alone are not barriers to the rehabilitation of older patients.