일 노인요양시설 거주 노인의 의료기관 이용 영향 요인

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the health-related characteristics of older adults who reside in nursing homes and to identify the factors that are predictive for health care utilization. Methods: A descriptive study was done using chart reviews. Demographic data, health-related data, and health service utilization data of all older adults (n=254) who had been living in nursing homes in Seoul during 2008 (January 1 and December 31, 2008) were examined. Multiple linear regression and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Results: The significant predictors of outpatient visits by elderly residents living in nursing home were gender, length of residency in the nursing home, number of current medications, psychiatric medications and use of catheters. The predictive factors for hospitalization were gender and the number of current medications. Conclusion: Polypharmacy is a significant factor increasing health service utilization in elderly residents of nursing homes. Gerontological nurse practitioners who can monitor the risk of polypharmacy and provide specialized nursing interventions with advanced knowledge are needed in nursing homes.