Nursing Research and Practice · Nov 5, 2025

Nursing Program Promoting the Activity of Daily Living Among Older Adults Admitted to Semimedical Intensive Care Units: A Quasi-Experimental Study

By Sommana C, Banharak S, Limpawattana P et al.

AIM: To investigate the effects of a nursing program to early promote the activity of daily living after passing critical conditions among older adults admitted to the semimedical intensive care unit. DESIGN: Quasi-experimental research. METHODS: A total of 50 older adults admitted to the semimedical intensive care unit were recruited using a consecutive sampling method. Data were collected from June 28 to October 3, 2024, using the Barthel ADL Index, complication record forms, and muscle strength record forms. RESULTS: The findings indicated that the experimental group reported higher scores in performing activities of daily living (17.48 ± 1.19 vs. 2.76 ± 0.44) and motor power (4.96 ± 0.20 vs. 3.68 ± 0.48), as well as a lower incidence of complications (12% vs. 64%) than the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates that the nursing program is effective in facilitating early functional recovery and reducing complications among older adults following critical conditions in the semi-intensive care unit. This program provides a valuable approach to enhancing the quality of care and outcomes for this vulnerable population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR): TCTR20240708010.

doi.org/10.1155/nrp/3848134 Open access PubMed 41235371 Interventions