La importancia de minimizar el tiempo de ingreso hospitalario prolongado en el paciente anciano, efectos y consecuencias asociadas: actualización

• Autores: Cristobal García Bragado, Natalia Bueno Latorre, María Castán Merino, María Berges Vidal, Belén Brau Sanz, Silvia Serrano Yus
• Localización: Revista Sanitaria de Investigación, ISSN-e 2660-7085, Vol. 6, Nº. 2, 2025
• Idioma: español
• Enlaces
  • Texto completo
• Resumen
  • español

    La minimización del tiempo de ingreso hospitalario en el paciente anciano es crucial para evitar complicaciones comunes como el deterioro funcional, el delirio y las infecciones nosocomiales. Las estancias hospitalarias prolongadas pueden aumentar el riesgo de inmovilidad, pérdida de masa muscular y la aparición de úlceras por presión. Además, el impacto emocional y cognitivo, como el riesgo de depresión y delirio, es significativo en los ancianos, quienes son especialmente vulnerables en el entorno hospitalario.

    Estrategias como la creación de unidades geriátricas de agudos, la implementación de programas de movilización temprana y la mejora de la coordinación para una rápida alta hospitalaria son esenciales para reducir la duración de la hospitalización. También se destacan avances tecnológicos, como la telemedicina y la monitorización remota a través del seguimiento de atención primaria, que permiten un seguimiento cercano del paciente sin la necesidad de hospitalización prolongada, mejorando su recuperación en el hogar, Estos enfoques no solo son eficaces para reducir complicaciones, sino que promueven una atención más integral y personalizada.

  • English

    Reducing hospital stay duration in elderly patients is crucial to prevent common complications such as functional decline, delirium, and nosocomial infections. Prolonged hospitalizations can increase the risk of immobility, muscle mass loss, and the development of pressure ulcers. Additionally, the emotional and cognitive impact, such as the risk of depression and delirium, is significant in older adults, who are particularly vulnerable in the hospital environment.

    Strategies such as the creation of acute geriatric units, the implementation of early mobilization programs, and improved coordination for prompt hospital discharge are essential to reduce hospitalization time. Technological advances like telemedicine and remote monitoring through primary care follow-up also stand out, allowing for close patient monitoring without the need for prolonged hospitalization, thereby improving recovery at home. These approaches are not only effective in reducing complications but also promote more comprehensive and personalized care.

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