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Nummedal MA, King S, Uleberg O, Pedersen SA, Bjørnsen LP. Non-emergency department (ED) interventions to reduce ED utilization: a scoping review. BMC Emerg Med 2024; 24:117. [PMID: 38997631 PMCID: PMC11242019 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-024-01028-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency department (ED) crowding is a global burden. Interventions to reduce ED utilization have been widely discussed in the literature, but previous reviews have mainly focused on specific interventions or patient groups within the EDs. The purpose of this scoping review was to identify, summarize, and categorize the various types of non-ED-based interventions designed to reduce unnecessary visits to EDs. METHODS This scoping review followed the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis and the PRISMA-SCR checklist. A comprehensive structured literature search was performed in the databases MEDLINE and Embase from 2008 to March 2024. The inclusion criteria covered studies reporting on interventions outside the ED that aimed to reduce ED visits. Two reviewers independently screened the records and categorized the included articles by intervention type, location, and population. RESULTS Among the 15,324 screened records, we included 210 studies, comprising 183 intervention studies and 27 systematic reviews. In the primary studies, care coordination/case management or other care programs were the most commonly examined out of 15 different intervention categories. The majority of interventions took place in clinics or medical centers, in patients' homes, followed by hospitals and primary care settings - and targeted patients with specific medical conditions. CONCLUSION A large number of studies have been published investigating interventions to mitigate the influx of patients to EDs. Many of these targeted patients with specific medical conditions, frequent users and high-risk patients. Further research is needed to address other high prevalent groups in the ED - including older adults and mental health patients (who are ill but may not need the ED). There is also room for further research on new interventions to reduce ED utilization in low-acuity patients and in the general patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Målfrid A Nummedal
- Trondheim Emergency Department Research Group (TEDRG), Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Sarah King
- Trondheim Emergency Department Research Group (TEDRG), Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Oddvar Uleberg
- Trondheim Emergency Department Research Group (TEDRG), Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- Clinic of Emergency Medicine and Prehospital Care, St. Olav's Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Research and Development, Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sindre A Pedersen
- The Medicine and Health Library, Library Section for Research Support, Data and Analysis, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Lars Petter Bjørnsen
- Trondheim Emergency Department Research Group (TEDRG), Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- Clinic of Emergency Medicine and Prehospital Care, St. Olav's Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
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Green RK, Nieser KJ, Jacobsohn GC, Cochran AL, Caprio TV, Cushman JT, Kind AJH, Lohmeier M, Shah MN. Differential Effects of an Emergency Department-to-Home Care Transitions Intervention in an Older Adult Population: A Latent Class Analysis. Med Care 2023; 61:400-408. [PMID: 37167559 PMCID: PMC10176501 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older adults frequently return to the emergency department (ED) within 30 days of a visit. High-risk patients can differentially benefit from transitional care interventions. Latent class analysis (LCA) is a model-based method used to segment the population and test intervention effects by subgroup. OBJECTIVES We aimed to identify latent classes within an older adult population from a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of an ED-to-home transitional care program and test whether class membership modified the intervention effect. RESEARCH DESIGN Participants were randomized to receive the Care Transitions Intervention or usual care. Study staff collected outcomes data through medical record reviews and surveys. We performed LCA and logistic regression to evaluate the differential effects of the intervention by class membership. SUBJECTS Participants were ED patients (age 60 y and above) discharged to a community residence. MEASURES Indicator variables for the LCA included clinically available and patient-reported data from the initial ED visit. Our primary outcome was ED revisits within 30 days. Secondary outcomes included ED revisits within 14 days, outpatient follow-up within 7 and 30 days, and self-management behaviors. RESULTS We interpreted 6 latent classes in this study population. Classes 1, 4, 5, and 6 showed a reduction in ED revisit rates with the intervention; classes 2 and 3 showed an increase in ED revisit rates. In class 5, we found evidence that the intervention increased outpatient follow-up within 7 and 30 days (odds ratio: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.13-2.91; odds ratio: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.25-4.03). CONCLUSIONS Class membership modified the intervention effect. Population segmentation is an important step in evaluating a transitional care intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca K Green
- BerbeeWalsh Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health
| | - Kenneth J Nieser
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health
| | - Gwen C Jacobsohn
- BerbeeWalsh Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health
| | - Amy L Cochran
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health
- Department of Mathematics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | | | - Jeremy T Cushman
- Department of Public Health Sciences
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center; Rochester, NY
| | - Amy J H Kind
- Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Center for Health Disparities Research
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
| | - Michael Lohmeier
- BerbeeWalsh Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health
| | - Manish N Shah
- BerbeeWalsh Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health
- Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Center for Health Disparities Research
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
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Marston C, Morgan DD, Philip J, Agar M. Supporting Carers as Patients Move between Hospital and Home: A Systematic Review of Interventions to Support These Transitions in Care. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:270-298. [PMID: 36251853 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Hospital-to-home transitions become more frequent and complex as people approach end of life. Although carers are critical to enabling these transitions, they report high levels of unmet need. A review of the interventions to assist these care transitions, along with understanding those intervention components and mechanisms that support carers of people with advanced illness, is required to inform an optimal care model for palliative care practice. Aim: To describe the characteristics and reporting quality of intervention studies aimed at improving hospital-to-home transitions for carers of people with advanced illness. Design: This is a systematic review with a narrative synthesis. (international prospective register of systematic reviews [PROSPERO] ID: CRD42020192088). Data Sources: MEDLINE, EMCare, and PsychINFO databases were searched (2000-2021) for prospective studies reporting on interventions that (1) aimed to improve hospital-to-home transitions and (2) targeted carers of people with advanced illness. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist and constructs of the Care Transition Framework were used to assess the reporting quality of intervention design, delivery, and outcomes. Results: In total, 37 articles were analyzed that included a range of study designs, interventions, and outcomes. Health care utilization (n = 29) and clinical patient-related (n = 21) measures were the most reported outcome. Theoretical discussion was minimal (n = 5) with most studies using efficacy data from past research to justify intervention choice. Conclusion: Carers are critical partners in hospital-to-home transitions at end of life; yet they are largely under-represented in intervention design, delivery, and outcomes. Improving the reporting quality of carer-focused care transition interventions will inform future study design and support translation into practice and policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Marston
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Deidre D Morgan
- Palliative and Supportive Services, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death and Dying, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jennifer Philip
- Palliative Care Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Palliative Care Service, St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Palliative Care Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Meera Agar
- IMPACCT, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Seidenfeld J, Ramos K, Bruening RA, Sperber NR, Stechuchak KM, Hastings SN. Patient experiences of a care transition intervention for Veterans to reduce emergency department visits. Acad Emerg Med 2023; 30:388-397. [PMID: 36630213 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Care transition interventions (CTIs) are used to improve outcomes after an emergency department (ED) visit. A recent randomized controlled trial of a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) CTI titled Discharge Information and Support for Patients receiving Outpatient care in the ED (DISPO ED) demonstrated no difference in repeat ED visits. However, changes in health care utilization are not the only measures of a CTI worth evaluation, and there is interest in using patient-centered outcomes to assess CTIs as well. To inform future CTI design and outcome measure selection, the study aims were to understand how patients experienced the CTI and what elements they valued. METHODS This was a qualitative study of participants randomized to the intervention arm of the DISPO ED trial using semistructured interviews. The interview guide included questions about clinical health and other issues addressed by the study nurse, the most and least helpful aspects of the intervention, and impacts of the intervention on their perceptions of self-management. Interviews were analyzed using directed content analysis. RESULTS Our sample comprised 24 participants, with average age of 61 years, 58% male, and 50% Black or African American. We identified six major themes related to (1) experiences during the intervention and (2) elements they valued. Patients reported clinical health coaching recommendations covering a wide range of topics as well as care coordination actions such as appointment scheduling. Valuable elements of the intervention highlighted personal characteristics of the study nurse that promoted a sense of interpersonal connection and empathy in their interactions. CONCLUSIONS Intervention users described assistance with care coordination as well as clinical concerns. We identified aspects that were highly valued by the participants, such as interpersonal support and empathy from the interventionist. These findings suggest the need for more comprehensive nonutilization outcome measures for CTIs to capture the patient's perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Seidenfeld
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Division of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Katherine Ramos
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Center for the Study of Human Aging and Development, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rebecca A Bruening
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nina R Sperber
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Karen M Stechuchak
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Susan N Hastings
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Center for the Study of Human Aging and Development, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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5
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Cordasco KM, Gable AR, Tan GJ, Yuan AH, Yip K, Khafaf M, Hays RD, Faiz JP, Chawla N, Ganz DA. Veteran knowledge, perceptions, and receipt of care following visits to VA emergency departments for ambulatory care sensitive conditions. Acad Emerg Med 2022; 30:252-261. [PMID: 36578158 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Receipt of follow-up care after emergency department (ED) visits for chronic ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs)-asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, diabetes, and/or hypertension-is crucial. We assessed Veterans' follow-up care knowledge, perceptions, and receipt of care after visits to Veterans Health Administration (VA) EDs for chronic ACSCs. METHODS Using explanatory sequential mixed methods, we interviewed Veterans with follow-up care needs after ACSC-related ED visits, and manually reviewed ED notes, abstracting interviewees' documented follow-up needs and care received. RESULTS We interviewed and reviewed ED notes of 35 Veterans, 12-27 (mean 19) days after ED visits. Follow-up care was completely received/scheduled in 20, partially received/scheduled in eight, and not received in seven Veterans. Among those who received care, it was received within specified time frames half the time. However, interviewees often did not recall these time frames or reported them to be longer than specified in the ED notes. Veterans who had not yet received or scheduled follow-up care commonly did not recall follow-up care instructions, believed that they did not need this care since they were not currently having symptoms, or thought that such care would be difficult to obtain due to appointment unavailability and/or difficulties communicating with follow-up care providers. Among the 28 Veterans in whom all or some follow-up care had been received/scheduled, for 25 cases VA staff reached out to the Veteran or the appointment was scheduled prior to or during the ED visit. CONCLUSIONS VA should prioritize implementing processes for EDs to efficiently communicate Veterans' needs to follow-up care providers and systems for reaching out to Veterans and/or arranging for care prior to Veterans leaving the ED. VA should also enhance practices using multimodal approaches for educating Veterans about recommended ED follow-up care and improve mechanisms for Veterans to communicate with follow-up care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina M Cordasco
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation & Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Medicine, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Alicia R Gable
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation & Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Gracielle J Tan
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation & Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Anita H Yuan
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation & Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kathleen Yip
- Department of Medicine, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Emergency Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mana Khafaf
- Department of Medicine, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ron D Hays
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.,RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California, USA
| | - Jessica P Faiz
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation & Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA.,National Clinician Scholars Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Neetu Chawla
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation & Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - David A Ganz
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation & Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Medicine, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.,RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California, USA
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6
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Conneely M, Leahy S, Dore L, Trépel D, Robinson K, Jordan F, Galvin R. The effectiveness of interventions to reduce adverse outcomes among older adults following Emergency Department discharge: umbrella review. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:462. [PMID: 35643453 PMCID: PMC9145107 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03007-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Population ageing is increasing rapidly worldwide. Older adults are frequent users of health care services including the Emergency Department (ED) and experience a number of adverse outcomes following an ED visit. Adverse outcomes include functional decline, unplanned hospital admission and an ED revisit. Given these adverse outcomes a number of interventions have been examined to improve the outcomes of older adults following presentation to the ED. The aim of this umbrella review was to evaluate the effectiveness of ED interventions in reducing adverse outcomes in older adults discharged from the ED. Methods Systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials investigating ED interventions for older adults presenting to the ED exploring clinical, patient experience and healthcare utilisation outcomes were included. A comprehensive search strategy was employed in eleven databases and the PROSPERO register up until June 2020. Grey literature was also searched. Quality was assessed using the A MeaSurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2 tool. Overlap between systematic reviews was assessed using a matrix of evidence table. An algorithm to assign the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation to assess the strength of evidence was applied for all outcomes. Results Nine systematic reviews including 29 randomised controlled trials were included. Interventions comprised of solely ED-based or transitional interventions. The specific interventions delivered were highly variable. There was high overlap and low methodological quality of the trials informing the systematic reviews. There is low quality evidence to support ED interventions in reducing functional decline, improving patient experience and improving quality of life. The quality of evidence of the effectiveness of ED interventions to reduce mortality and ED revisits varied from very low to moderate. Results were presented narratively and summary of evidence tables created. Conclusion Older adults are the most important emerging group in healthcare for several economic, social and political reasons. The existing evidence for the effectiveness of ED interventions for older adults is limited. This umbrella review highlights the challenge of synthesising evidence due to significant heterogeneity in methods, intervention content and reporting of outcomes. Higher quality intervention studies in line with current geriatric medicine research guidelines are recommended, rather than the publication of further systematic reviews. Trial registration UMBRELLA REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42020145315). Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-022-03007-5.
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Biese K, Lash TA, Kennedy M. Emergency Department Care Transition Programs-Value-Based Care Interventions That Need System-Level Support. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2213160. [PMID: 35594049 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.13160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Biese
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill
- West Health, San Diego, California
| | - Timothy A Lash
- West Health, San Diego, California
- West Health Policy Center, Washington, DC
| | - Maura Kennedy
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
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Jacobsohn GC, Jones CMC, Green RK, Cochran AL, Caprio TV, Cushman JT, Kind AJH, Lohmeier M, Mi R, Shah MN. Effectiveness of a care transitions intervention for older adults discharged home from the emergency department: A randomized controlled trial. Acad Emerg Med 2022; 29:51-63. [PMID: 34310796 PMCID: PMC8766871 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improving care transitions following emergency department (ED) visits may reduce post-ED adverse events among older adults (e.g., ED revisits, decreased function). The Care Transitions Intervention (CTI) improves hospital-to-home transitions; however, its effectiveness at improving post-ED outcomes is unknown. We tested the effectiveness of the CTI with community-dwelling older adult ED patients, hypothesizing that it would reduce revisits and increase performance of self-management behaviors during the 30 days following discharge. METHODS We conducted a randomized controlled trial among patients age ≥ 60 discharged home from one of three EDs in two states. Intervention participants received a minimally modified CTI, with a home visit 24 to 72 h postdischarge and one to three phone calls over 28 days. We collected demographic, health status, and psychosocial data at the initial ED visit. Medication adherence and knowledge of red flag symptoms were assessed via phone survey. Care use and comorbidities were abstracted from medical records. We performed multivariate regressions for intention-to-treat and per-protocol (PP) analyses. RESULTS Participant characteristics (N = 1,756) were similar across groups: mean age 72.4 ± 8.6 years and 53% female. Of those randomized to the intervention, 84% completed the home visit. Overall, 12.4% of participants returned to the ED within 30 days. The CTI did not significantly affect odds of 30-day ED revisits (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.72 to 1.30) or medication adherence (AOR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.60 to 1.32). Participants receiving the CTI (PP) had increased odds of in-person follow-up with outpatient clinicians during the week following discharge (AOR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.51) and recalling at least one red flag from ED discharge instructions (AOR = 1.34 95% CI = 1.05 to 1.71). CONCLUSIONS The CTI did not reduce 30-day ED revisits but did significantly increase key care transition behaviors (outpatient follow-up, red flag knowledge). Additional research is needed to explore if patients with different conditions benefit more from the CTI and whether decreasing ED revisits is the most appropriate outcome for all older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwen C Jacobsohn
- BerbeeWalsh Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Courtney M C Jones
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Rebecca K Green
- BerbeeWalsh Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Amy L Cochran
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Thomas V Caprio
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Jeremy T Cushman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Amy J H Kind
- Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- William S. Middleton Veterans Affairs Geriatrics Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Michael Lohmeier
- BerbeeWalsh Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Ranran Mi
- BerbeeWalsh Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Manish N Shah
- BerbeeWalsh Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Seidenfeld J, Stechuchak KM, Coffman CJ, Mahanna EP, Gladney MN, Hastings SN. Exploring differential response to an emergency department-based care transition intervention. Am J Emerg Med 2021; 50:640-645. [PMID: 34879480 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2021.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify multivariable subgroups of patients with differential responses to a nurse-delivered care transition intervention after an emergency department (ED) visit in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) using an emerging data-driven method. DESIGN Secondary analysis of RCT. PARTICIPANTS 512 individuals enrolled in an RCT of a nurse-delivered care transition intervention after an ED visit. All 512 participants were included in a pre-specified subgroup analysis, and 451 of these had sufficient complete case data to be included in a model-based recursive (MoB) partitioning analysis. METHODS The primary outcome was having at least one ED visit in 30 days after the index ED visit. Two analytical methods explored heterogeneity of treatment effects: data driven model-based recursive partitioning (MoB) using 37 candidate baseline variables, and a contextual point of comparison with prespecified subgroups defined by ED super-user status (≥ 3 ED visits in previous 6 months or not), sex (male/female), and age, individually examined via treatment arm by subgroup interaction terms in logistic regression models. Internal validation of the MoB analysis via bootstrap resampling with an optimism corrected c-statistic was conducted to provide a bias-corrected estimate. RESULTS MoB detected treatment effect heterogeneity in a single subgroup, marital status. Unmarried patients randomized to the intervention had a repeat ED use rate of 22% compared to 34% in the usual care group; married patients randomized to the intervention had a 27% ED return rate compared to 12% in the usual care group. Internal validation demonstrated an optimism corrected c-statistic of 0.54. No treatment-by-covariate subgroup interactions were identified among the 3 prespecified subgroups. CONCLUSION Although exploratory, the results of the MoB analysis suggest that patient factors related to social relationships such as marital status may be important contributors to differential response to a care transition intervention after an ED visit. These were characteristics that the investigators had not anticipated or planned to examine in the individual prespecified subgroup analysis. Data-driven methods can yield unexpected findings and contribute to a more complete understanding of differential treatment effects in subgroup analysis, which can inform further work on development of effective care transition interventions in the ED setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Seidenfeld
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA; Division of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Karen M Stechuchak
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Cynthia J Coffman
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Elizabeth P Mahanna
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Micaela N Gladney
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Susan N Hastings
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA; Center for the Study of Human Aging and Development, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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Spencer RA, Singh Punia H. A scoping review of communication tools applicable to patients and their primary care providers after discharge from hospital. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2021; 104:1681-1703. [PMID: 33446366 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Transitions from hospital to home are high-risk episodes. Communication problems between patients/carers and their primary healthcare providers are a central part of the risk. This literature review aimed to identify any existing tools or information (including secondary care instruments) that would facilitate designing new communication instruments for primary care to manage and mitigate risk at discharge. METHOD Five databases (Pubmed, Embase, Cinahl, Web of Science and Cochrane) were searched using a three stem approach (primary/transitional care, discharge period, communication). A dual reviewer system was used, following PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS From 61 full text articles a total of ten tools were found, 25 articles contained other useful content, 19 further tools were found in grey literature. Most material originated from the USA and described hospital-based transitional care interventions. CONCLUSION No ready-made patient/provider communication tool for the post-discharge period in primary care was found. Future communication tools should enhance education and engagement of patients so they feel able to initiate communication. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Collating post-discharge communication material is of importance to improving the safety of care transitions and will enable creation of new tools specifically designed for primary care. These tools will improve patient activation ('the knowledge, skills and confidence a person has in managing their own health and care') with the ultimate aim of reducing error and harm in primary care through improved communication of healthcare decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Ann Spencer
- Unit of Academic Primary Care, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
| | - Harjot Singh Punia
- Unit of Academic Primary Care, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
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Simpson TF. Capsule Commentary on Hastings, et. al., Discharge Information and Support for Patients Discharged from the Emergency Department: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial. J Gen Intern Med 2020; 35:401. [PMID: 31654350 PMCID: PMC6957657 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-019-05387-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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