Elder Care Hospitalization Standards

Abstract

This study aimed to develop the standard of care for elderly patient in hospitals. It is a qualitative research by descriptive study. Mason’s standardization techniques and procedures was applied as a framework of standardization. The study period was from 15 February to 15 December 2019. The study samples were 30 specifically selected people consisted of the group of executives in government agencies who involved elderly healthcare in hospital and health establishment, executivess of public and private hospitals, elderly care health workers including entrepreneurs of health establishments that provide overnight care for the elderly in Bangkok and Nonthaburi provinces. Data were collected through interviews and group discussions. The results of the study revealed that elder care hospitalization standards should be managed in three components which were: health service pattern for the elderly in hospital; personalized health care standard of procedures and the integrated goals of holistic health care for the elderly. These elements should be developed into a multidisciplinary team collaboration model and standard procedure (SOP) to enable the elderly to receive high standard and integrating care in hospital as one stop service beginning from early admission at all stages through discharge from the hospital and return to their homes and communities. These standards indicated the necessity of developing the capacity of personnel who provide care for the elderly in hospitals as well as strengthening the role of hospital during the transition from hospital to home and community with effective health promotion communication. Supporting activities were included to prepare physical and mental health before reaching old age. Health communication should be developed in electronic media form that screens the contents of the substance to be disseminated according to academic principles. In addition, policy-level action should be developed promote the standard of nursing care for the elderly at home (Home Health Care) in a new normal way, including tele-physiotherapy by a physical therapist in the family medicine team. Furthermore, specific laws on nursing homes for the elderly should be issued under the Sanatorium Act B.E. 2541 and its amendments to establish standards of safe care for the elderly in hospitals and enhance their quality of life In terms of place and location, environment, medical device, health technology and service innovation, including health professionals and care givers.