Quality Indicators of Nursing Homes in Hong Kong: Observations and Implications

Abstract

Introduction : Nursing homes in Hong Kong play a significant role in helping frail older adults with their nursing, personal, and social needs. Ever since 2000, seven nursing homes in Hong Kong have been conducting assessments of their residents on an annual basis by using the Chinese version of the Minimum Data Set - Nursing Home (MDSHN) 2.0. The present study aimed at examining the care quality of nursing homes by using quality indicators (NHQIs). Method : Data from residents from seven nursing homes were assessed with MDSNH2.0 (a total of 8204 assessments) and then used to calculate a series of quality indicators as guided by the MDS2.0 manual. Results : Areas that recorded comparatively low prevalence of NHQIs included new fractures (0.53%), symptoms of depression without antidepressant therapy (1.02%), fecal impaction (0.65%), urinary tract infection (0.81%), dehydration (0.06%), hypnotic use more than two times in the last week (2.68%), and low-risk residents with pressure ulcers (0.84%). Areas that recorded comparatively high prevalence of NHQIs included occasional or frequent bladder or bowel incontinence without a toileting plan (78.9%), little or no activity (27.4%), moderate to severe pain (27.0%), low-risk residents who lost control of their bowels or bladders (26.7%), use of nine or more different medications (18.6%), and residents who have become more depressed or anxious (18.5%). Conclusion : Findings of the present study showed both merits and weakness of care provided by nursing homes. Discussion will be made corresponding to areas of care that showed needs of improvement.