Assessing the Status of Age-friendly Hospital Environment in Tertiary Hospitals: A Descriptive Explorative Study

Abstract

Background

The aging population and comorbidities among older adults increase the demand for health services, emphasizing the need for an age-friendly hospital environment to address their unique needs, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance overall well-being. Therefore, this study assessed the status of age-friendly hospital environments to identify areas for improvement in meeting age-friendly standards to ensure better health care experiences.

Methods

A descriptive explorative study was conducted in two tertiary-level referral hospitals in Kathmandu, Nepal. The data was collected through direct observation of existing hospital services and environment using a checklist after obtaining ethical and administrative approval. The wards of both hospitals were selected purposively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage).

Results

Regarding the status, 43.9% of hospital services and infrastructure in hospital 1 and 54.5% of the hospital 2 fulfilled the criteria of age friendliness. Although both hospitals were accessible to older adults, only 26.9% and 38.4% of hospital services, and 54.1% and 64.9% of the physical environment of both hospitals met the criteria of age-friendliness.  Both hospitals lacked screening protocols, dedicated geriatric services, geriatricians or trained human resources, volunteer support, and priority systems for older adults.

Conclusion

More than half of the age-friendly environment criteria were met by only one hospital in terms of services and infrastructure. To ensure better healthcare experiences for older adults, it is recommended to develop clear hospital policies/protocols, provide training, and optimize the management of existing services and physical infrastructure.