Higher Charlson Comorbidity Index scores do not influence Functional Independence Measure score gains in older rehabilitation patients

Australas J Ageing. 2016 Dec;35(4):236-241. doi: 10.1111/ajag.12351. Epub 2016 Sep 12.

Abstract

Aim: To assess the effect of age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score on Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score gain in older rehabilitation patients.

Methods: This prospective cohort study observed 306 older rehabilitation patients admitted to a secondary hospital between February and April 2015. Groups were compared using CCI score cut-offs of ≤4, 5-6 and ≥ 7.

Results: Complete FIM data were available for 280 patients. The mean age-adjusted CCI score was 5.59 ± 1.96. An age-adjusted CCI score ≤4 correlated with higher FIM scores at admission P = 0.015, and discharge P = 0.002, but not with a greater gain in FIM score P = 0.067. There were no significant between-group differences in mortality, hospital transfers or length of stay.

Conclusion: The Charlson age-comorbidity index was not a prognostic marker for FIM gain. Age and comorbidity alone are not barriers to the rehabilitation of older patients.

Keywords: comorbidity; hospitals; rehabilitation.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living*
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Comorbidity*
  • Female
  • Geriatric Assessment / methods*
  • Hospital Mortality
  • Hospitals*
  • Humans
  • Length of Stay
  • Male
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care*
  • Patient Admission
  • Patient Discharge
  • Patient Transfer
  • Prospective Studies
  • Recovery of Function
  • Rehabilitation*
  • Risk Factors
  • Time Factors
  • Western Australia