Event Title
Emergency Room Utilization for Patients with Co-Conditions of Memory Loss and Cardiac Disease: A Family Nursing Opportunity
Location
CSU Ballroom
Start Date
11-4-2017 2:00 PM
End Date
11-4-2017 3:30 PM
Student's Major
School of Nursing
Student's College
Allied Health and Nursing
Mentor's Name
Kristen Anderson
Mentor's Department
School of Nursing
Mentor's College
Allied Health and Nursing
Description
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) effects 5.3 million people in the US; with an estimated financial impact of $236 billion in 2016. Unfortunately, only 33% of those with AD are aware of their diagnosis and up to 85% of AD patients also have Cardiovascular Disease (CD). The prevalence of AD and CD have significant impacts on nursing care. The aim of this study was to explore Emergency Department (ED) use and subsequent hospitalization for those affected by AD, both AD/CD, and CD compared to unaffected persons. A secondary analysis of the National Interview Survey (2012) was conducted comparing frequency of ED utilization and hospitalization between patients with only AD, with both AD and CD, with CD only, and unaffected patients. ‘Memory loss’ was used as a proxy for AD and related dementias. As predicted, ED use was higher for patients with a dual diagnosis of AD/CD. Subsequent hospitalization was also higher in AD/CD patients. These findings suggest that nurses must be aware that their patient admitted with CD may have undiagnosed AD, putting the patient at a greater risk for falls and other risk factors. Nurses can play a key role assisting with early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, facilitating an action plan for medical management that may allow the patient an active role before cognition is significantly impaired. Future research should explore family’s facilitating beliefs and strengths around care of the affected loved one to enhance care of the affected person and leading to decreased hospital utilization.
Emergency Room Utilization for Patients with Co-Conditions of Memory Loss and Cardiac Disease: A Family Nursing Opportunity
CSU Ballroom
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) effects 5.3 million people in the US; with an estimated financial impact of $236 billion in 2016. Unfortunately, only 33% of those with AD are aware of their diagnosis and up to 85% of AD patients also have Cardiovascular Disease (CD). The prevalence of AD and CD have significant impacts on nursing care. The aim of this study was to explore Emergency Department (ED) use and subsequent hospitalization for those affected by AD, both AD/CD, and CD compared to unaffected persons. A secondary analysis of the National Interview Survey (2012) was conducted comparing frequency of ED utilization and hospitalization between patients with only AD, with both AD and CD, with CD only, and unaffected patients. ‘Memory loss’ was used as a proxy for AD and related dementias. As predicted, ED use was higher for patients with a dual diagnosis of AD/CD. Subsequent hospitalization was also higher in AD/CD patients. These findings suggest that nurses must be aware that their patient admitted with CD may have undiagnosed AD, putting the patient at a greater risk for falls and other risk factors. Nurses can play a key role assisting with early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, facilitating an action plan for medical management that may allow the patient an active role before cognition is significantly impaired. Future research should explore family’s facilitating beliefs and strengths around care of the affected loved one to enhance care of the affected person and leading to decreased hospital utilization.
Recommended Citation
Matthews, Megan. "Emergency Room Utilization for Patients with Co-Conditions of Memory Loss and Cardiac Disease: A Family Nursing Opportunity." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 11, 2017.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2017/poster-session-B/19
