Hospitalization Stress of the Elderly: A Concept Analysis Based on the Method by Walker and Avant

The purpose of this study was to analyze the concept of hospitalization stress in the management of elderly patients. This study employed Walker and Avant's concept analysis method. The findings revealed that the attributes of hospitalization stress in the elderly include confinement, restriction, separation, and vulnerability. The antecedents of hospitalization stress were identified as anxiety, worry, and tension. Additionally, psychological health problems such as depression and isolation were found to be the consequences. The results of this study are expected to provide essential data to reevaluate the hospitalization environment for the elderly and effectively manage their stress in an aging society. In addition, there is a need for research on the development of inpatient stress measurement tools that take into account the characteristics of elderly patients and the hospital environment, and qualitative research to explore in-depth the stress of inpatient hospitalization for the elderly.