Abstract
This study describes the discharge recommendations made following inpatient geriatric rehabilitation, quantifies adherence to different types of recommendations, determines factors related to adherence, and describes the relationship between patient characteristics and adherence. Sixty-three patients admitted to geriatric rehabilitation units participated in this study. Prior to discharge, all patients received a discharge recommendation form that summarized recommendations. Six weeks after the discharge, patients were contacted by telephone to assess adherence. Adherence varied by type of recommendation was facilitated by the availability of transportation and/or the availability of caregivers to assist with recommendations. The perception that the recommendation was unnecessary was a barrier to adherence, as was lack of transportation, particularly for adhering to appointment recommendations. This study describes common types of discharge recommendations made in geriatric rehabilitation, quantifies adherence to specific recommendations, and identifies factors related to adherence. Strategies that address facilitators and barriers to adherence need to be developed and tested.