The factors that influence the risk of accidents during the replacement of gastrostomy catheters remain unknown and therefore have not yet been thoroughly investigated. We conducted a nationwide questionnaire survey of 415 rehabilitation-training facilities for the replacement of gastrostomy catheters. We received 221 valid responses. Among the catheter replacement methods submitted, the bumper button replacement method was the most widely chosen, comprising 40% of the valid responses. The measures used to prevent accidental erroneous catheterization included examination of the stomach contents, endoscopic examination of the stomach, and the detection of insufflation sounds, although these measures varied widely among the facilities. Fifty-one out of the 221 facilities that responded to the survey experienced various mishaps, of which 20 were due to erroneous catheterization. In approximately 40% of the facilities, there was no operative manual for the replacement nor was the patient's consent taken before performing the procedure. This investigation elucidates the risks involved in the replacement of gastrostomy catheters. This survey also suggests that the methods used for catheter replacement should be re-examined to prevent accidents during the replacement.

Introduction: Patients with vertebral compression fractures are likely to decrease physical function and activities of daily living (ADL) due to pain and inactivity. In this study, we examined the effect of the amount of rehabilitation provided on functional prognosis in patients with vertebral compression fracture.Methods: We included 18,174 vertebral compression fracture patients aged 65 years or older in the JMDC multicenter data. Barthel index (BI) gains, BI efficiency, ADL independence at discharge (BI≧95), and discharge home were compared between patients who received an average of at least 1 unit of rehabilitation during hospitalization (high-provider group) and those who received less than 1 unit per day (low-provider group).Results: There were 4,145 patients in the high-provider group and 14,029 in the low-provider group. The high-provider group had higher BI gain and BI efficiency, as well as a higher percentage of patients with independent ADLs at discharge (41.6%) and a higher percentage of patients discharged home (79.2%). In multiple regression analysis, the high-provider group had higher BI gain (regression coefficient: 2.423)and BI efficiency (regression coefficient: 0.043). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the high-provider group had a higher rate of discharge home (odds ratio:1.26) and a higher rate of ADL independence at discharge (odds ratio: 1.17).Conclusion: In patients with vertebral compression fractures, the amount of rehabilitation provision may have an impact on functional prognosis.

Introduction: Patients with vertebral compression fractures are likely to decrease physical function and activities of daily living (ADL) due to pain and inactivity. In this study, we examined the effect of the amount of rehabilitation provided on functional prognosis in patients with vertebral compression fracture.Methods: We included 18,174 vertebral compression fracture patients aged 65 years or older in the JMDC multicenter data. Barthel index (BI) gains, BI efficiency, ADL independence at discharge (BI≧95), and discharge home were compared between patients who received an average of at least 1 unit of rehabilitation during hospitalization (high-provider group) and those who received less than 1 unit per day (low-provider group).Results: There were 4,145 patients in the high-provider group and 14,029 in the low-provider group. The high-provider group had higher BI gain and BI efficiency, as well as a higher percentage of patients with independent ADLs at discharge (41.6%) and a higher percentage of patients discharged home (79.2%). In multiple regression analysis, the high-provider group had higher BI gain (regression coefficient: 2.423) and BI efficiency (regression coefficient: 0.043). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the high-provider group had a higher rate of discharge home (odds ratio: 1.26) and a higher rate of ADL independence at discharge (odds ratio: 1.17).Conclusion: In patients with vertebral compression fractures, the amount of rehabilitation provision may have an impact on functional prognosis.