1
|
Pritchard KT, Mahesri M, Chen Q, Yang CT, Brill G, Kim DH, Lin KJ. Crosswalk Algorithms for Cognitive and Functional Outcomes Among 2013-2018 Medicare Beneficiaries With Dementia. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024; 25:105168. [PMID: 39067864 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2024.105168] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Before 2019, the Minimum Data Set (MDS) and Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) had incongruent response categories for rating cognitive impairment and activities of daily living (ADLs), hindering direct comparisons between nursing facilities and home health. We devised rule-based algorithms to compare cognitive impairment and ADL limitations between these 2 care settings among people with Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease-related dementias (ADRD). DESIGN A retrospective cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Included fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries (2013-2018) transitioning from nursing facilities to home health, with 1-year of continuous enrollment, aged ≥65 years, diagnosed ADRD, and with complete MDS discharge and OASIS admission assessments (N = 398,496). METHODS We identified target phenotypes using the Cognitive Function Scale (CFS) and ADL items from the MDS discharge assessment as reference standards. We compared 6 OASIS-based algorithms for cognitive impairment and 1 for each ADL limitation by estimating sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). RESULTS The average age was 83.5 (SD = 7.5) years and 82.3% transitioned from nursing to home health within 3 days. In the MDS discharge assessment, 42.2% had moderate-to-severe cognitive impairment. ADL limitations ranged from 71.4% for feeding to 97.8% for bathing. Compared with the moderate-to-severe cognitive impairment (CFS ≥3) on the MDS, the OASIS cognitive assessment indicating "considerable assistance to total dependence in routine situations" had 24% sensitivity, 94% specificity, 75% PPV, and 63% NPV. The ADL limitation algorithms exhibited high sensitivities (>96%) and PPVs (>94%) except for feeding (Sensitivity: 82%; PPV: 74%). Despite the short time frame between the 2 assessments, the OASIS admission assessment showed a higher prevalence of ADL limitations than the MDS discharge assessment. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We highlighted differences in patient function between post-acute care settings. Our algorithms can help researchers, clinicians, and policymakers standardize patient-centered outcomes for comparative effectiveness research or quality initiatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin T Pritchard
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mufaddal Mahesri
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Qiaoxi Chen
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chun-Ting Yang
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gregory Brill
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dae Hyun Kim
- Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Gerontology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, MA, USA
| | - Kueiyu Joshua Lin
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Browne B, Ali K, Ford E, Tabet N. Determinants of hospital readmissions in older people with dementia: a narrative review. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:336. [PMID: 38609878 PMCID: PMC11015733 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-04905-6] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Over 50% of hospitalised older people with dementia have multimorbidity, and are at an increased risk of hospital readmissions within 30 days of their discharge. Between 20-40% of these readmissions may be preventable. Current research focuses on the physical causes of hospital readmissions. However, older people with dementia have additional psychosocial factors that are likely to increase their risk of readmissions. This narrative review aimed to identify psychosocial determinants of hospital readmissions, within the context of known physical factors. METHODS Electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsychInfo were searched from inception until July 2022 and followed up in February 2024. Quantitative and qualitative studies in English including adults aged 65 years and over with dementia, their care workers and informal carers were considered if they investigated hospital readmissions. An inductive approach was adopted to map the determinants of readmissions. Identified themes were described as narrative categories. RESULTS Seventeen studies including 7,194,878 participants met our inclusion criteria from a total of 6369 articles. Sixteen quantitative studies included observational cohort and randomised controlled trial designs, and one study was qualitative. Ten studies were based in the USA, and one study each from Taiwan, Australia, Canada, Sweden, Japan, Denmark, and The Netherlands. Large hospital and insurance records provided data on over 2 million patients in one American study. Physical determinants included reduced mobility and accumulation of long-term conditions. Psychosocial determinants included inadequate hospital discharge planning, limited interdisciplinary collaboration, socioeconomic inequalities among ethnic minorities, and behavioural and psychological symptoms. Other important psychosocial factors such as loneliness, poverty and mental well-being, were not included in the studies. CONCLUSION Poorly defined roles and responsibilities of health and social care professionals and poor communication during care transitions, increase the risk of readmission in older people with dementia. These identified psychosocial determinants are likely to significantly contribute to readmissions. However, future research should focus on the understanding of the interaction between a host of psychosocial and physical determinants, and multidisciplinary interventions across care settings to reduce hospital readmissions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bria Browne
- Centre for Dementia Studies, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, The University of Sussex Brighton, Brighton, UK.
| | - Khalid Ali
- Department of Medicine, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
- Department of Elderly Care and Stroke Medicine, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Elizabeth Ford
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Naji Tabet
- Centre for Dementia Studies, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, The University of Sussex Brighton, Brighton, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Knox S, Downer B, Haas A, Ottenbacher KJ. Successful Discharge to Community From Home Health Less Likely for People in Late Stages of Dementia. J Geriatr Phys Ther 2024; 47:77-84. [PMID: 38133896 PMCID: PMC10990837 DOI: 10.1519/jpt.0000000000000383] [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: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Several studies have established the efficacy of home health in meeting the health care needs of people with Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD) and helping them to remain at home. However, transitioning to the community after discharge from home health presents challenges to patient safety and quality of life. The severity of an individual's functional impairments, cognitive limitations, and behavioral and psychological symptoms may compound these challenges. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between dementia severity and successful discharge to community (DTC) from home health. METHODS This was a retrospective study of 142 376 Medicare beneficiaries with ADRD. Successful DTC was defined as having no unplanned hospitalization or death within 30 days of DTC from home health. Successful DTC rates were calculated, and multilevel logistic regression was used to estimate the relative risk (RR) of successful DTC, by dementia severity category, adjusted for patient and clinical characteristics. Six dementia severity categories were identified using a crosswalk between items on the Outcome and Assessment Information Set and the Functional Assessment Staging Tool. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Successful DTC occurred in 71.2% of beneficiaries. Beneficiaries in the 2 most severe dementia categories had significantly lower risk of successful DTC (category 6: RR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.889-0.910; category 7: RR = 0.737, 95% CI = 0.704-0.770) than those in the least severe dementia category. The RR of successful DTC for people with ADRD decreased as the level of independence with oral medication management decreased and when there was an overall greater need for caregiver assistance. CONCLUSIONS Patient status at the time of admission to home health is associated with outcomes after discharge from home health. Early identification of people in advanced stages of ADRD provides an opportunity to implement strategies to facilitate successful DTC while people are still receiving home care services. The severity of ADRD and availability of caregiver assistance should be key considerations in planning for successful DTC for people with ADRD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Knox
- Division of Physical Therapy, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
| | - Brian Downer
- Department of Nutrition, Metabolism & Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, Texas, 77555 United States
| | - Allen Haas
- Department of Preventative Medicine and Community Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States
| | - Kenneth J. Ottenbacher
- Department of Nutrition, Metabolism & Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, Texas, 77555 United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Backhouse T, Ruston A, Killett A, Ward R, Rose-Hunt J, Mioshi E. Risks and risk mitigation in homecare for people with dementia-A two-sided matter: A systematic review. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:2037-2056. [PMID: 35703588 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Policy guidance promotes supporting people to live in their own homes for as long as possible with support from homecare services. People living with dementia who need such support can experience a range of physical and cognitive difficulties, which can increase the risks associated with homecare for this group. We aimed to examine risk and safety issues for people with dementia and their homecare workers and risk mitigation practices adopted by homecare workers to address identified risks. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ASSIA and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases 5 March 2021. Included studies focussed on homecare for people with dementia and had a risk or safety feature reported. Risk of bias was assessed with the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools. Two authors assessed articles for potential eligibility and quality. A narrative synthesis combines the findings. The search identified 2259 records; 27 articles, relating to 21 studies, met the eligibility criteria. The review identified first-order risks that homecare workers in the studies sought to address. Two types of risk mitigation actions were reported: harmful interventions and beneficial interventions. Actions adopted to reduce risks produced intended benefits but also unintended consequences, creating second-order risks to both clients with dementia and homecare workers, placing them at greater risk. Risk mitigation interventions should be person-centred, the responsibility of all relevant professions, and planned to minimise the creation of unintended risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Backhouse
- School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Annmarie Ruston
- School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Anne Killett
- School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Renée Ward
- Older Persons' Services, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Colchester, UK
| | - Julia Rose-Hunt
- Dementia Intensive Support Team East, Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust, Norwich, UK
| | - Eneida Mioshi
- School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Prusynski RA, Frogner BK, Skillman SM, Dahal A, Mroz TM. Therapy Assistant Staffing and Patient Quality Outcomes in Skilled Nursing Facilities. J Appl Gerontol 2021; 41:352-362. [PMID: 34291695 DOI: 10.1177/07334648211033417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapy staffing declined in response to Medicare payment policy that removes incentives for intensive physical and occupational therapy in skilled nursing facilities, with therapy assistant staffing more impacted than therapist staffing. However, it is unknown whether therapy assistant staffing is associated with patient outcomes. Using 2017 national data, we examined associations between therapy assistant staffing and three outcomes: patient functional improvement, community discharge, and hospital readmissions, controlling for therapy intensity and facility characteristics. Assistant staffing was not associated with functional improvement. Compared with employing no assistants, staffing 25% to 75% occupational therapy assistants and 25% to 50% physical therapist assistants were associated with more community discharges. Higher occupational therapy assistant staffing was associated with higher readmissions. Higher intensity physical therapy was associated with better quality across outcomes. Skilled nursing facilities seeking to maximize profit while maintaining quality may be successful by choosing to employ more physical therapy assistants rather than sacrificing physical therapy intensity.
Collapse
|
6
|
Knox S, Downer B, Haas A, Ottenbacher KJ. Mobility and Self-Care are Associated With Discharge to Community After Home Health for People With Dementia. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2021; 22:1493-1499.e1. [PMID: 33476569 PMCID: PMC8496773 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2020.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A priority health outcome for patients, families, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is a patient's ability to return home and remain in the community without adverse events following discharge from post-acute care services. Successful discharge to community (DTC) is defined as being discharged to the community and not experiencing a readmission or death within 30 days of discharge. The objective of this study was to determine the association between patient factors and successful DTC after home health for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). DESIGN This retrospective study derived data from 100% national CMS data files from October 1, 2016, through September 30, 2017. SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS Criteria from the Home Health Quality Reporting program were used to identify a cohort of 790,439 Medicare home health beneficiaries, 143,164 (18.0%) with ADRD. MEASURES Successful DTC rates with associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for each patient characteristic. Multilevel logistic regression was used to estimate the relative risk (RR) of successful DTC after home health, by ADRD diagnosis, mobility, self-care, caregiver support, and medication management, adjusted for patient demographics and clinical characteristics. RESULTS Overall, 79.4% of beneficiaries had a successful DTC. Beneficiaries with ADRD had a significantly lower odds of successful DTC than those without ADRD (RR=0.947, 95% CI=0.944-0.950). This association remained significant after adjustment for caregiver support, assistance with medications, independence in mobility, and level of self-care. Greater need for caregiver support, greater need for assistance with medications, greater dependence in mobility, and greater self-care dependence were all associated with decreased risk of successful DTC. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Older adults with ADRD receiving home health had decreased RR of successful DTC. To have a successful DTC, older adults with ADRD need sufficient support from caregivers and independence in functioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Knox
- Division of Physical Therapy, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Brian Downer
- Division of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Allen Haas
- Department of Preventative Medicine and Community Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Kenneth J Ottenbacher
- Division of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang J, Ying M, Temkin-Greener H, Caprio TV, Yu F, Simning A, Conwell Y, Li Y. Care-Partner Support and Hospitalization in Assisted Living During Transitional Home Health Care. J Am Geriatr Soc 2021; 69:1231-1239. [PMID: 33394506 PMCID: PMC8127345 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.17005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Care-partner support affects outcomes among assisted living (AL) residents. Yet, little is known about care-partner support and its effects on hospitalization during post-acute care transitions. This study examined the variation in care-partner support and its impact on hospitalizations among AL residents receiving Medicare home health (HH) services. DESIGN Analysis of national data from the Outcome and Assessment Information Set, Medicare claims, Area Health Resources File, and the Social Deprivation Index File. SETTING AL facilities and Medicare HH agencies in the United States. PARTICIPANTS 741,926 Medicare HH admissions of AL residents in 2017. MEASUREMENTS Care-partner support during the HH admission was measured based on the type and frequency of assistance from AL staff in seven domains (i.e., activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental ADLs, medication administration, treatment, medical equipment, home safety, and transportation). Care-partner support in each domain was measured as "assistance not needed" (reference group), "Care-partner currently provides assistance," "care-partner need additional training/support to provide assistance" (i.e., inadequate care-partner support), and "care-partner unavailable/unlikely to provide assistance" (i.e., unavailable care-partner support). Outcome was time-to-hospitalization during the HH admission. RESULTS Among the 741,926 Medicare HH admissions of AL residents, inadequate care-partner support was identified for all seven domains that ranged from 13.1% (for transportation) to 49.8% (for treatment), and care-partner support was unavailable from 0.9% (for transportation) to 11.0% (for treatment). In Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for patient covariates and geography, compared with "assistance not needed", having inadequate and unavailable care-partner support was related to increased risk of hospitalization by 8.9% (treatment (hazard ratio (HR) =1.089, P < .001)) to 41.3% (medication administration (HR =1.413, P < .001)). CONCLUSION For AL residents receiving HH services, having less care-partner support was related to increased risk of hospitalization, particularly regarding medication administration, medical equipment, and transportation/advocacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Meiling Ying
- University of Rochester, Department of Public Health Sciences, NY
| | | | - Thomas V. Caprio
- University of Rochester Medical Center, Department of Medicine, NY
- University of Rochester Medical Home Care, NY
- Finger Lakes Geriatric Education Center, NY
| | - Fang Yu
- Arizona State University, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, AZ
| | - Adam Simning
- University of Rochester, Department of Public Health Sciences, NY
- University of Rochester Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, NY
| | - Yeates Conwell
- University of Rochester Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, NY
| | - Yue Li
- University of Rochester, Department of Public Health Sciences, NY
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang J, Ying M, Temkin-Greener H, Shang J, Caprio TV, Li Y. Utilization and Functional Outcomes Among Medicare Home Health Recipients Varied Across Living Situations. J Am Geriatr Soc 2021; 69:704-710. [PMID: 33271638 PMCID: PMC7969431 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Home health (HH) is a major type of home-based skilled care available to Medicare beneficiaries. We examined the association between living situation (home alone, home with others, and assisted living (AL) residence) and utilization and functional outcomes among Medicare HH recipients. DESIGN Analysis of national data from the Outcome and Assessment Information Set, HH Compare, Medicare claims, and Area Health Resource Files. SETTING Medicare-certified HH agencies in the United States. PARTICIPANTS National population of Medicare beneficiaries ≥65 years old who received HH care in CY 2017 (N = 6,637,496). MEASUREMENTS Outcomes included time-to-event measures of hospitalization and emergency department (ED) visits, and improvement in activities of daily living (ADL) from the start to the end of the HH admission. RESULTS AL residents (12%) and patients living alone at home (24%) had longer survival time without hospitalization and ED visits than patients living with others at home (64%). Adjusting for covariates and HH agency-level random effects, and compared with patients living with others, AL residents had lower risk of hospitalization (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.85, P < .001) and ED visit (HR = 0.92, P < .001); however, less ADL improvement (β = 0.29 (29% less of total independence in one ADL)); and patients living alone had lower risk of hospitalization (HR = 0.94, P < .001) and ED visit (HR = 0.93, P < .001), yet more ADL improvement (β = -0.15 (15% more of total independence in one ADL)). CONCLUSION In the national population of Medicare HH recipients, patients living with others at home had the highest risk of hospitalization and ED visits, whereas AL residents had the lowest risk of hospitalization and patients living alone at home had the lowest risk of ED visits, meaning that combined support from HH and AL reduces acute care admissions. Evidence-based interventions are needed for HH patients living with others at home to avoid unnecessary acute care use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Meiling Ying
- University of Rochester, Department of Public Health Sciences, NY
| | | | | | - Thomas V. Caprio
- University of Rochester Medical Center, Department of Medicine, NY
- University of Rochester Medical Home Care, NY
- Finger Lakes Geriatric Education Center, NY
| | - Yue Li
- University of Rochester, Department of Public Health Sciences, NY
| |
Collapse
|