Improved functional status from people with disabilities discharged from day medical care homes from 2017-2023 in Poland

This study aimed to assess changes in the functional status of 956 patients with disabilities covered by day care in Day Medical Care Homes in Poland between 2017 and 2023. Medical records (admission reports and discharge reports) of patients admitted to seven Day Medical Care Homes managed by the Medical and Diagnostic Centre (Poland) were analyzed. The functional status of the patients was assessed using the Barthel Index and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) tool. Out of 956 patients, 77.4% were females, and the mean age was 74.4 (SD=8.6) years. The average Barthel Index score was 59.4 (SD=5.8; 40-65) on admission and 72.6 (SD=10.2; 25-100) on discharge (p<0.001). The average IADL score was 19.2 (SD=3.2; 8-24) on admission and 20.6 (SD=3.0; 8-24) on discharge (p<0.001). Significant improvement (p<0.001) in functional status defined with both the Barthel Index and IADL scale was observed in all demographic groups and facilities.