Aged care study exposes poor care in hospitals

Aged patients are often discharged from hospital malnourished and with bed sores, according to a national survey of more than 370 nursing homes commissioned by Aged Care Association Australia.

A majority of nursing homes said they experienced several cases every year of residents returning from hospital with ulcers and skin tears, and without acknowledgment in the hospital’s clinical notes.

The author of the study, Tracey McDonald, Professor of Ageing at the Australian Catholic University, said the numerous “compromised skin integrity” cases raised by nursing homes was “a very disturbing issue”.

The report assessed the detailed answers from 371 nursing homes that responded. A breakdown of the findings showed that NSW hospitals performed better than other states on most indicators, but poorly on medication arrangements for aged care patients leaving hospital.

The Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA)said the report was further evidence of the need to change the way we organise our health system.

“It demonstrates the impact of a poorly designed and under-resourced health system on the most vulnerable patients,” executive director, Prue Power, said.
“The problems experienced by many nursing home patients in hospitals are a result of a number of structural, systemic problems within our health system which must be addressed as a matter of urgency.

“The next round of Australian Health Care Agreements (AHCAs), due to be negotiated after the upcoming Federal election, present a valuable opportunity to address these issues and to put into place a better health funding system for the future,” she said.