RESUMO
Objective:To explore the effectiveness of Acute Care of the Elderly(ACE)model and its existing problems in the clinical practice for older adults with acute clinical conditions.Methods:Using the random number table method, a random number sequence was generated, and the patients admitted to the Department of Geriatrics of Shenzhen Nanshan Hospital due to acute diseases From January 2019 to September 2021 were enrolled in the ACE model intervention group(160 cases)and the control group(77 cases)in a 2: 1 ratio.The inclusion criteria were based on disease severity, frailty assessment, and activity of daily living(ADL)assessment.The intervention time was 1-3 weeks.Outcomes of the patients include ADL, hospitalization days, hospitalization expenses, drug proportion, human resource investments, adverse events, 30-day readmission rate, and 1-year mortality.Results:There were no significant difference in baseline indicators such as frailty index and ADL score between the two groups at admission.The ADL score(Barthel index)of the ACE group was significantly improved compared with the control group at discharge(81.71±14.23 vs.70.9±23.89, P<0.001)and at 30 days after discharge(85.84±15.25 vs.68.29±30.91, P<0.001). The hospital cost[(12 735.81±6 541.41)￥ vs.(16 391.54±12 962.34)￥, P=0.002], drug proportion(21.34% vs.28.93 %, P=0.036)and 30-day readmission rate(13.1% vs.23.4%, P=0.037)of the ACE group were significantly lower compared to the control group.The human resource input(32.97±6.72 vs.25.03±5.31, P=0.008)and patient satisfaction(98.23% vs.90.66%, P=0.031)in the ACE group were significantly higher than those of the control group.(4)The incidence of adverse events during hospitalization was significantly lower in the ACE group than in the control group in terms of aspiration(0.63% vs.20.8%, P<0.001), falls(0 vs.10.4%, P<0.001), incontinence dermatitis(0 vs.3.9%, P=0.033), and 1-year mortality(6.3% vs.24.7%, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the average length of stay(8.98±4.25 vs.10.03±5.32, P=0.101), pressure sores(13.01±4.77 vs.13.27±4.89, P=0.364), DVT risk score(8.53±2.79 vs.8.89±2.76, P=0.340)and medical staff satisfaction(73% vs.80%, P=0.240)between the two groups. Conclusions:The ACE model helps to reduce the disability rate of elderly patients with frailty, adverse events during hospitalization, save drug costs, and improve patient satisfaction.It is worth promoting in geriatric practice, but its localization management details and processes still face many challenges.