Exploring ICOPE's Impact on Delaying Elderly Disability Management

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the initial benefits of introducing the ICOPE (Integrated care for older people) information assessment system for the management of hospitalized elderly patients in a teaching hospital in Eastern Taiwan. The ICOPE information assessment system was set up for case screening and abnormal referral through clinical ICOPE, followed by follow-up and case management. The results showed a total of 3424 screened cases, an average of 311 ICOPE screenings per month, an average of 48 abnormal screenings per month (15%), a referral rate of 79%, a rescreening rate of 91%, and a case management completion rate of 71%. Conclusion: Introducing the ICOPE information evaluation system can quickly screen for potential abnormal disability cases in hospitalized elderly patients, timely referral case management, provide appropriate intervention measures, and improve the quality of life after returning home in old age.