Dehydration negatively impacts geriatric hospitalization outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the hydration status of psychogeriatric inpatients and explore possible factors for dehydration. A descriptive, retrospective chart review of patients discharged from a psychogeriatric unit was completed. Clinical and biochemical information was collected at three time points (admission, mid-point, and discharge). Results were consistent with clinical observations that less hydrated patients seem to do worse clinically. It is important to closely monitor hydration status in psychogeriatric inpatients to reduce morbidity. Further studies are needed to develop strategies to prevent dehydration and its complications in this population.

This article addresses the nursing professional development practitioner’s role in the design and management of the evaluation process used for a large-scale educational intervention developed to improve patient satisfaction with the use of empathic communication skills. The scope of this educational activity and the direct alignment with organizational priorities necessitated that a robust and comprehensive evaluation strategy be implemented to demonstrate the connection from the education to performance and, ultimately, organization-level results.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify clinical and psychosocial factors involved in transitioning hospitalized patients receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) from the inpatient to the outpatient setting and to propose an algorithm to guide clinicians with this process. Methods: A retrospective chart review was completed for adult patients discharged from a psychiatric hospital from 2002 to 2012 who had an acute course of ECT that was initiated in the hospital and completed as an outpatient. We reviewed demographic and clinical information and outcomes, including ECT treatments. Results: Among the 277 patients who were identified, the mean age was 52.2 years, 60% were women, and 66% were married. The mean length of hospital stay was 12.9 days, and the mean number of ECT treatments was 4.9 as an inpatient and 3.1 as an outpatient. The most frequent primary diagnosis was depression. Most patients (81%) had a responsible adult at home. Patients had good cognitive functioning at both baseline and discharge, and showed improved functional status at discharge (P<0.001 for change in scores on the Global Assessment of Functioning from admission to discharge). Conclusions: Factors such as improved cognitive and functional status from admission to discharge, a medically uncomplicated course, and a responsible adult at home were observed among patients transitioned from inpatient to outpatient ECT. On the basis of these study results, a review of the literature, and clinical experience, an algorithm to assist clinical decisions for ECT transitioning was developed.

Care providers must monitor the fluid intake of elderly patients with and without cognitive impairment throughout their hospitalization.