Last Updated on January 3, 2025 by Analgesia team
HAD Medical Abbreviation
Hospital-associated deconditioning (HAD) is a broad term that refers to any decline in bodily function resulting from a hospital stay. It can include a loss of muscle mass, cognitive decline, and other physiological changes. HAD can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life and well-being after they leave the hospital.
Hospital-associated deconditioning |
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What it is |
A condition of physical, psychological, and functional decline that occurs as a result of complex physiological changes caused by prolonged bed rest and associated loss of muscle strength,
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Who it affects |
Older people, especially those with frailty, are at greatest risk
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What it can include |
Loss of muscle mass, cognitive decline, tendon stiffening, reduced bone density, incontinence, and increased dependency
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How it can impact patients |
Patients are at an increased risk of institutionalization, repeat hospitalizations, and susceptibility to ill health events
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Some interventions that can help reduce HAD include:
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Behavior change techniques
Goal-setting and feedback on performance can help increase physical activity
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Daily activities
Encouraging patients to sit up, get out of bed, and get dressed can help them stay independent and maintain muscle strength
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Exercise classes
Chair-based exercises and modified exercise classes can help relieve boredom and improve appetite
Early intervention strategies can help reverse the effects of HAD, but the long-term effects can be devastating. We also have a dedicated post on how to prevent deconditioning syndrome in older adults.