A Data Analysis of Commonly Seen Diagnosis at Medical Respites in the Seattle Area to Help Facilitate the Creation of a Lake City Medical Respite
Date of Award
2011
Document Type
Thesis
College/School
College of Nursing
Degree Name
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Program Concentration
Family Nurse Practitioner
Abstract
This study examined the medical diagnoses seen amongst the homeless, nationally and within Seattle area respite care centers, to help facilitate the creation of a Lake City medical respite. Methods. First, an extensive literature review was performed on national homeless health care. Next, interviews were held with key informants from the Seattle medical respite community. Finally, a secondary data analysis of diagnoses seen at Seattle area medical respites was preformed between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010. The final sample size was 362 patients, 75 females, 287 males and 2,389 total listed conditions (encounters). Results. Skin disorders, post surgical nursing care and pneumonia comprised 64.3 percent of the total admitting diagnoses. Of all diagnoses plaguing the sample population, pain, abscess/cellulitis/infection, hypertension, hepatitis, post surgical, musculoskeletal disorders, diabetes, pneumonia, cardiovascular disorder-other, fracture and gastrointestinal disorder other encompassed 75 percent of the total conditions seen at medical respite in 2010. There was also a high frequency of mental health and substance abuse conditions amongst the population withdepressive disorder being the most frequent mental health disorder and alcohol related disorders being the most frequently encountered substance abuse condition. Conclusion. When opening the Lake City respite care center, patient admissions and care efforts should be focused on pain management, skin care, post surgical care and pneumonia. Furthermore, the nursing staff should be adequately prepared to manage mental health and substance abuse conditions.
Recommended Citation
Ross, Erika S., "A Data Analysis of Commonly Seen Diagnosis at Medical Respites in the Seattle Area to Help Facilitate the Creation of a Lake City Medical Respite" (2011). Master of Science in Nursing Theses. 71.
https://scholarworks.seattleu.edu/etds-msn/71