Follow-up study of disability among elderly patients discharged from hospital with exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.

Abstract

Chronic bronchitis is a common reason for admitting an old person to hospital. Government statistics measure the impact only in terms of mortality. A follow-up study of disability among the elderly admitted to hospital with an exacerbation of chronic bronchitis is described. One month after discharge, .apprx. 30% of patients were unable to walk as far on the flat or climb as many steps as they did before admission, and 90% were unable to do all previous household chores or social activities. After a further 2 mo., although the proportion of patients unable to do all previous household chores or social activities decreased significantly, the proportion with restricted ambulation or ability to climb stairs had not decreased. The proportion of patients admitting to anxiety or depression and being dissatisified with their progress also remained high. There is a need for graduated rehabilitation programs, which increase the walking distance of elderly bronchitics, to be extended to cover all aspects of disability and for home rehabilitation to become an integral part of the care of all elderly bronchitics discharged from hospital.