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Høyvik E, Doupe MB, Ågotnes G, Jacobsen FF. Barriers to healthy transitions between nursing homes and emergency departments. Geriatr Nurs 2024; 59:639-645. [PMID: 39197355 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2024.08.034] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024]
Abstract
This study identifies barriers to healthy transitions between nursing homes and emergency departments by exploring current practices in both primary care (out-of-hours primary care and nursing homes) and specialist healthcare (ambulance services and emergency departments) organizations from the perspectives of healthcare professionals. The objective is to highlight areas where improvements to these transitions are most needed. NH residents frequently use acute healthcare services. Many have complex healthcare needs, requiring coordination across multiple providers and different healthcare settings. Transitions theory by Afaf Meleis inspired this study and helped identify barriers to healthy transitions between nursing homes and emergency departments. Eighteen qualitative interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals from nursing homes, ambulance services, out-of-hours primary care, and emergency departments. Three themes were identified from the interviews: 1: staff burden, 2: discontinuity of care, and 3: transitions taking a toll on the well-being of residents. This study identifies critical areas needed to improve transitions between nursing homes and emergency departments. Many of the barriers to healthy transitions are systemic, suggesting that micro, meso, and macro-level efforts are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elin Høyvik
- Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Centre for Care Research, Årstadveien 17, 5009 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Malcolm Bray Doupe
- University of Manitoba, 727 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5 Canada
| | - Gudmund Ågotnes
- Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Inndalsveien 28, 5063 Bergen, Norway
| | - Frode Fadnes Jacobsen
- Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Centre for Care Research, Årstadveien 17, 5009 Bergen, Norway
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Cummings GG, Tate K, Spiers J, El‐Bialy R, McLane P, Park CS, Penconek T, Cummings G, Robinson CA, Reid RC, Estabrooks CA, Rowe BH, Anderson C. The development and validation of a conceptual definition of avoidable transitions from long-term care to the emergency department: A mixed methods study. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e2204. [PMID: 38974331 PMCID: PMC11224026 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.2204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives Transitions to and from Emergency Departments (EDs) can be detrimental to long-term care (LTC) residents and burden the healthcare system. While reducing avoidable transfers is imperative, various terms are used interchangeably including inappropriate, preventable, or unnecessary transitions. Our study objectives were to develop a conceptual definition of avoidable LTC-ED transitions and to verify the level of stakeholder agreement with this definition. Methods The EXamining Aged Care Transitions study adopted an exploratory sequential mixed-method design. The study was conducted in 2015-2016 in 16 LTC facilities, 1 ED, and 1 Emergency Medical Service (EMS) in a major urban center in western Canada. Phase 1 included 80 participants, (healthcare aides, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, LTC managers, family members of residents, and EMS staff). We conducted semistructured interviews (n = 25) and focus groups (n = 19). In Phase 2, 327 ED staff, EMS staff, LTC staff, and medical directors responded to a survey based on the qualitative findings. Results Avoidable transitions were attributed to limited resources in LTC, insufficient preventive care, and resident or family wishes. The definition generated was: A transition of an LTC resident to the ED is considered avoidable if: (a) Diagnostic testing, medical assessment, and treatment can be accessed in a timely manner by other means; (b) the reasons for a transfer are unclear and the transition would increase the disorientation, pain, or discomfort of a resident, outweighing a clear benefit of a transfer; and (c) the transition is against the wishes expressed by the resident over time, including through informal and undocumented conversations. There was a high level of agreement with the definition across the four participant groups. Conclusions and Implications To effectively reduce LTC resident avoidable transitions, stakeholders must share a common definition. Our conceptual definition may significantly contribute to improved care for LTC residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta G. Cummings
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health SciencesUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Kaitlyn Tate
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health SciencesUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Jude Spiers
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health SciencesUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Rowan El‐Bialy
- Schulich School of BusinessYork UniversityTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Patrick McLane
- Emergency Strategic Clinical NetworkAlberta Health Services (AHS)EdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Claire Su‐Yeon Park
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health SciencesUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Tatiana Penconek
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health SciencesUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Garnet Cummings
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health SciencesUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Carole A. Robinson
- School of NursingUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Robert Colin Reid
- School of Health and Exercise SciencesUniversity of British Columbia—Okanagan CampusKelownaBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Carole A. Estabrooks
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health SciencesUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Brian H. Rowe
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and DentistryUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
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Tate K, Cummings G, Jacobsen F, Halas G, Van den Bergh G, Devkota R, Shrestha S, Doupe M. Strategies to Improve Emergency Transitions From Long-Term Care Facilities: A Scoping Review. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2024; 64:gnae036. [PMID: 38661440 PMCID: PMC11184529 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnae036] [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: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Older adults residing in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) often experience substandard transitions to emergency departments (EDs) through rationed and delayed ED care. We aimed to identify research describing interventions to improve transitions from RACFs to EDs. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In our scoping review, we included English language articles that (a) examined an intervention to improve transitions from RACF to EDs; and (b) focused on older adults (≥65 years). We employed content analysis. Dy et al.'s Care Transitions Framework was used to assess the contextualization of interventions and measurement of implementation success. RESULTS Interventions in 28 studies included geriatric assessment or outreach services (n = 7), standardized documentation forms (n = 6), models of care to improve transitions from RACFs to EDs (n = 6), telehealth services (n = 3), nurse-led care coordination programs (n = 2), acute-care geriatric departments (n = 2), an extended paramedicine program (n = 1), and a web-based referral system (n = 1). Many studies (n = 17) did not define what "improvement" entailed and instead assessed documentation strategies and distal outcomes (e.g., hospital admission rates, length of stay). Few authors reported how they contextualized interventions to align with care environments and/or evaluated implementation success. Few studies included clinician perspectives and no study examined resident- or family/friend caregiver-reported outcomes. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Mixed or nonsignificant results prevent us from recommending (or discouraging) any interventions. Given the complexity of these transitions and the need to create sustainable improvement strategies, future research should describe strategies used to embed innovations in care contexts and to measure both implementation and intervention success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn Tate
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Greta Cummings
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Frode Jacobsen
- Centre for Care Research, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Vestland, Norway
| | - Gayle Halas
- School of Dental Hygiene, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Graziella Van den Bergh
- Department of Health and Functioning, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Vestland, Norway
| | - Rashmi Devkota
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shovana Shrestha
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Malcolm Doupe
- Rady Faculty Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Samadbeik M, Staib A, Boyle J, Khanna S, Bosley E, Bodnar D, Lind J, Austin JA, Tanner S, Meshkat Y, de Courten B, Sullivan C. Patient flow in emergency departments: a comprehensive umbrella review of solutions and challenges across the health system. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:274. [PMID: 38443894 PMCID: PMC10913567 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10725-6] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, emergency departments (EDs) are overcrowded and unable to meet an ever-increasing demand for care. The aim of this study is to comprehensively review and synthesise literature on potential solutions and challenges throughout the entire health system, focusing on ED patient flow. METHODS An umbrella review was conducted to comprehensively summarise and synthesise the available evidence from multiple research syntheses. A comprehensive search strategy was employed in four databases alongside government or organisational websites in March 2023. Gray literature and reports were also searched. Quality was assessed using the JBI critical appraisal checklist for systematic reviews and research syntheses. We summarised and classified findings using qualitative synthesis, the Population-Capacity-Process (PCP) model, and the input/throughput/output (I/T/O) model of ED patient flow and synthesised intervention outcomes based on the Quadruple Aim framework. RESULTS The search strategy yielded 1263 articles, of which 39 were included in the umbrella review. Patient flow interventions were categorised into human factors, management-organisation interventions, and infrastructure and mapped to the relevant component of the patient journey from pre-ED to post-ED interventions. Most interventions had mixed or quadruple nonsignificant outcomes. The majority of interventions for enhancing ED patient flow were primarily related to the 'within-ED' phase of the patient journey. Fewer interventions were identified for the 'post-ED' phase (acute inpatient transfer, subacute inpatient transfer, hospital at home, discharge home, or residential care) and the 'pre-ED' phase. The intervention outcomes were aligned with the aim (QAIM), which aims to improve patient care experience, enhance population health, optimise efficiency, and enhance staff satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS This study found that there was a wide range of interventions used to address patient flow, but the effectiveness of these interventions varied, and most interventions were focused on the ED. Interventions for the remainder of the patient journey were largely neglected. The metrics reported were mainly focused on efficiency measures rather than addressing all quadrants of the quadruple aim. Further research is needed to investigate and enhance the effectiveness of interventions outside the ED in improving ED patient flow. It is essential to develop interventions that relate to all three phases of patient flow: pre-ED, within-ED, and post-ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahnaz Samadbeik
- Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
- Faculty of Medicine, Queensland Digital Health Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Andrew Staib
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Justin Boyle
- The Australian E-Health Research Centre, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Sankalp Khanna
- The Australian E-Health Research Centre, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Emma Bosley
- Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland Government, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Daniel Bodnar
- Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland Government, Brisbane, Australia
| | - James Lind
- Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Jodie A Austin
- Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Queensland Digital Health Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Sarah Tanner
- Faculty of Medicine, Queensland Digital Health Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Yasaman Meshkat
- Faculty of Medicine, Queensland Digital Health Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Barbora de Courten
- Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Queensland Digital Health Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Clair Sullivan
- Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Queensland Digital Health Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Department of Health, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
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Mac A, Sharfuddin N, Chugh S, Freeland A, Ginzburg A, Campbell T. Internal Medicine Virtual Specialist Assessment Program Reduces Emergency Department Transfers from Long-Term Care. Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf 2024; 50:185-192. [PMID: 37973474 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjq.2023.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transfers to emergency departments (EDs) from long-term care (LTC) can expose residents to care discontinuities and risks. Virtual platforms can increase the breadth of care available for residents within their facility, thus replacing transfers to EDs when safe and appropriate. The authors aimed to assess whether leveraging a virtual care platform at an LTC facility would reduce the number of transfers to EDs. METHODS Data on the number of transfers to EDs were collected from January 2019 to October 2021 at an LTC facility. In June 2020 the home began using a virtual care platform that allowed residents to speak with specialist physicians through video and receive management plans remotely. The authors evaluated the Internal Medicine Virtual Specialist Program (IMVSP) using a pre-post study design by comparing the number of transfers to EDs and the proportion of transfers resulting in hospital admission before and after program implementation. Unstructured phone interviews were conducted with employees at the home to understand their experiences. RESULTS The median number of transfers to EDs per month after program implementation showed a 13.0% reduction. The median proportion of these transfers resulting in hospital admission per month increased by 26.1%. Employees at the LTC home were satisfied with the program. CONCLUSION The IMVSP reduced transfers to EDs and allowed for a higher proportion of transfers that resulted in hospital admission. Early access to specialist care via virtual platforms has important implications for improving accessibility to high-quality care for LTC residents and reducing risks associated with transfers.
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Choi Y, Lee DH, Oh J. Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of trauma in older patients transferred from long-term care hospitals to emergency departments: A nationwide retrospective study in South Korea. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2023; 115:105212. [PMID: 37774489 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.105212] [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] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND South Korea's aging population had leg to an increased number of long-term care hospitals (LTCHs), and increased transfer of older patients to emergency departments (EDs). This study investigated the epidemiological and injury profiles of LTCH patients aged ≥65 who were transferred from LTCHs to EDs due to trauma. METHOD This retrospective study conducted between January 2014 and December 2019 in South Korea utilized data from the National Emergency Department Information System. The requirement for informed consent was waived by the IRB due to the retrospective nature of the study. Patient information was anonymized prior to analysis. RESULTS Of the 1,472,006 trauma cases aged ≥65, 14,469 came from LTCHs. Outcomes varied: 44.1% were discharged, 40.6% were admitted to general wards (GW), 5.9% to intensive care units (ICU), 2.4% to other hospitals, and 6.5% returned to LTCHs. ED length of stay (LOS) was longest in the death (410.28 ± 559.73 min) and GW admission (390.12 ± 621.71 min) groups. Falls were the main cause of injury (50.1%), and the most common fracture was femoral (71.6%). Femoral and shoulder/upper extremity fractures increased hospitalization risk only, whereas self-harm increased both hospitalization and mortality risk. CONCLUSION Visits to the ED by older patients from LTCH for trauma were avoidable in 50.6% of cases. Additionally, these patients had longer ED LOS and higher hospitalization rates than non-LTCH patients. Falls were the predominant mode of presentation, femoral fracture was the most common fracture among patients from LTCH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhyung Choi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Anyangcheonro 1071, YangChoengu, Seoul 07985, Korea; Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital, Deokan-ro 110, Gwangmyeong-si, 14353 Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Duk Hee Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Anyangcheonro 1071, YangChoengu, Seoul 07985, Korea; Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Anyangcheonro 1071, Yangchoengu, Seoul 07985, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jongseok Oh
- Postdoctoral researcher, Graduate School of Public Administration, Seoul National University, Room 208, Bld 16, Gwanak-ro 1, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
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Crowder K, Lang E. Alternatives to the transfer of long-term care patients to emergency departments: a new kind of house call? CAN J EMERG MED 2023; 25:853-854. [PMID: 37938516 DOI: 10.1007/s43678-023-00608-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Crowder
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine; Alberta Health Services, Holy Cross Ambulatory Care Centre, Rockyview General Hospital, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | - Eddy Lang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine; Alberta Health Services, Holy Cross Ambulatory Care Centre, Rockyview General Hospital, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Cetin-Sahin D, Cummings GG, Gore G, Vedel I, Karanofsky M, Voyer P, Gore B, Lungu O, Wilchesky M. Taxonomy of Interventions to Reduce Acute Care Transfers From Long-term Care Homes: A Systematic Scoping Review. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2023; 24:343-355. [PMID: 36758622 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2022.12.025] [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: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a taxonomy of interventions aimed at reducing emergency department (ED) transfers and/or hospitalizations from long-term care (LTC) homes. DESIGN A systematic scoping review. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Permanent LTC home residents. METHODS Experimental and comparative observational studies were searched in MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase Classic + Embase, the Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Social Work Abstracts, AMED, Global Health, Health and Psychosocial Instruments, Joanna Briggs Institute EBP Database, Ovid Healthstar, and Web of Science Core Collection from inception until March 2020. Forward/backward citation tracking and gray literature searches strengthened comprehensiveness. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess study quality. Intervention categories and components were identified using an inductive-deductive thematic analysis. Categories were informed by 3 intervention dimensions: (1) "when/at what point(s)" on the continuum of care they occur, (2) "for whom" (ie, intervention target resident populations), and (3) "how" these interventions effect change. Components were informed by the logistical elements of the interventions having the potential to influence outcomes. All interventions were mapped to the developed taxonomy based on their categories, components, and outcomes. Distributions of components by category and study year were graphically presented. RESULTS Ninety studies (25 randomized, 23 high quality) were included. Six intervention categories were identified: advance care planning; palliative and end-of-life care; onsite care for acute, subacute, or uncontrolled chronic conditions; transitional care; enhanced usual care (most prevalent, 31% of 90 interventions); and comprehensive care. Four components were identified: increasing human resource capacity (most prevalent, 93%), training or reorganization of existing staff, technology, and standardized tools. The use of technology increased over time. Potentially avoidable ED transfers and/or hospitalizations were measured infrequently as primary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This proposed taxonomy can guide future intervention designs. It can also facilitate systematic reviews and precise effect size estimations for homogenous interventions when outcomes are comparable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Cetin-Sahin
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Donald Berman Maimonides Centre for Research in Aging, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Greta G Cummings
- College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Genevieve Gore
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Isabelle Vedel
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mark Karanofsky
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Herzl Family Practice Centre, Jewish General Hospital CIUSSS Centre Ouest de l'ile de Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Phillippe Voyer
- Faculty of Nursing, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Brian Gore
- Donald Berman Maimonides Centre for Research in Aging, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ovidiu Lungu
- Department of Psychiatry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Machelle Wilchesky
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Donald Berman Maimonides Centre for Research in Aging, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Division of Geriatric Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Kontunen PJ, Holstein RM, Torkki PM, Lang ES, Castrén MK. Acute outreach service to nursing homes: A systematic review with GRADE and triple aim approach. Scand J Caring Sci 2023; 37:582-594. [PMID: 36718539 DOI: 10.1111/scs.13148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People living in nursing homes face the risk of visiting the emergency department (ED). Outreach services are developing to prevent unnecessary transfers to ED. AIMS We aim to assess the performance of acute care services provided to people living in nursing homes or long-term homecare, focusing on ED transfer prevention, safety, cost-effectiveness and experiences. MATERIALS & METHODS This review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were peer-reviewed and examined acute outreach services dedicated to delivering care to people in nursing homes or long-term homecare. The service models could also have preventive components. The databases searched were Scopus and CINAHL. In addition, Robins-I and SIGN checklists were used. The primary outcomes of prevented ED transfers or hospitalisations and the composite outcome of adverse events (mortality/Emergency Medical Service or ED visit after outreach service contact related to the same clinical condition) were graded with GRADE. RESULTS Fifteen relevant original studies were found-all were observational and focused on nursing homes. The certainty of evidence for acute outreach services with preventive components to prevent ED transfers or hospitalisations was low. Stakeholders were satisfied with these services. The certainty of evidence for solely acute outreach services to prevent ED transfers or hospitalisations was very low and inconclusive. Reporting of adverse events was inconsistent, certainty of evidence for adverse events was low. CONCLUSION Published data might support adopting acute outreach services with preventive components for people living in nursing homes to reduce ED transfers, hospitalisations and possibly costs. If an outreach service is started, it is recommended that a cluster-randomised or quasi-experimental research design be incorporated to assess the effectiveness and safety of the service. More evidence is also needed on cost-effectiveness and stakeholders' satisfaction. Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO CRD42020211048, date of registration: 25.09.2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perttu J Kontunen
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Services, Helsinki University and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ria M Holstein
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Services, Helsinki University and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Paulus M Torkki
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Eddy S Lang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cumming School of Medicin, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Alberta Health Service, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Maaret K Castrén
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Services, Helsinki University and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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An analysis of a novel Canadian pilot health information exchange to improve transitions between hospital and long-term care/skilled nursing facility. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATED CARE 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/jica-03-2022-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of the article is to assess the effectiveness, compliance, adoption and lessons learnt from the pilot implementation of a data integration solution between an acute care hospital information system (HIS) and a long-term care (LTC) home electronic medical record through a case report.Design/methodology/approachUtilization statistics of the data integration solution were captured at one-month post implementation and again one year later for both the emergency department (ED) and LTC home. Clinician feedback from surveys and structured interviews was obtained from ED physicians and a multidisciplinary LTC group.FindingsThe authors successfully exchanged health information between a HIS and the electronic medical record (EMR) of an LTC facility in Canada. Perceived time savings were acknowledged by ED physicians, and actual time savings as high as 45 min were reported by LTC staff when completing medication reconciliation. Barriers to adoption included awareness, training efficacy and delivery models, workflow integration within existing practice and the limited number of facilities participating in the pilot. Future direction includes broader staff involvement, expanding the number of sites and re-evaluating impacts.Practical implicationsA data integration solution to exchange clinical information can make patient transfers more efficient, reduce data transcription errors, and improve the visibility of essential patient information across the continuum of care.Originality/valueAlthough there has been a large effort to integrate health data across care levels in the United States and internationally, the groundwork for such integrations between interoperable systems has only just begun in Canada. The implementation of the integration between an enterprise LTC electronic medical record system and an HIS described herein is the first of its kind in Canada. Benefits and lessons learnt from this pilot will be useful for further hospital-to-LTC home interoperability work.
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Zúñiga F, Gaertner K, Weber-Schuh SK, Löw B, Simon M, Müller M. Inappropriate and potentially avoidable emergency department visits of Swiss nursing home residents and their resource use: a retrospective chart-review. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:659. [PMID: 35948872 PMCID: PMC9367060 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03308-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Emergency department (ED) visits for nursing home residents lead to higher morbidity and mortality. Therefore, inappropriate visits (for conditions treatable elsewhere) or potentially avoidable visits (those avoidable through adequate chronic care management) must be minimized. This study aimed to investigate factors and resource consumption patterns associated with inappropriate and potentially avoidable visits in a Swiss tertiary hospital. Methods This is a single-center retrospective chart review in an urban Swiss university hospital ED. A consecutive sample of 1276 visits by nursing home residents (≥ 65 years old), recorded between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2017 (three calendar years) were included. Case characteristics were extracted from ED electronic documentation. Appropriateness was assessed via a structured Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol; potentially avoidable visits—measured as ambulatory-care sensitive conditions (ACSCs)—were analyzed separately. Inter-group differences concerning ED resource use were tested respectively with chi-square or Wilcoxon rank sum tests. To identify predictors of inappropriate or potentially-avoidable visits, we used multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results Six percent of visits were rated as inappropriate: they had lower triage levels (OR 0.55 [95%-CI 0.33-0.92], p=0.024) and, compared to ambulance calls, they had higher odds of initiation via either patient-initiated walk-in (OR 3.42 [95%-CI 1.79-6.55], p≤0.001) or GP referrals (OR 2.13 [95%-CI 1.16-3.90], p=0.015). For inappropriate visits, overall ED resource use was significantly lower (median 568 vs. 1403 tax points, p≤0.001). Of all visits included, 29% were due to (often potentially-avoidable) ACSCs. In those cases, compared to ambulance initiation, odds of being potentially-avoidable were considerably lower for walk-in patients (OR 0.46 [95%-CI 0.27-0.77], p=0.004) but higher for GP referrals (OR 1.40 [95%-CI 1.00-1.94], p=0.048). Nurse work (93 tax points vs. 64, p≤0.001) and laboratory resource use (334 tax points vs. 214, p≤0.001) were higher for potentially-avoidable ED visits. Conclusions We revealed substantial differences between the investigated groups. While nearly one third of ED visits from nursing homes were potentially avoidable, inappropriate visits were lower in numbers and not resource-intensive. Further research is required to differentiate potentially avoidable visits from inappropriate ones and to determine these findings’ public health implications. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-022-03308-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Zúñiga
- Nursing Science (INS), Department Public Health (DPH), Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Katharina Gaertner
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Sabine K Weber-Schuh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.,GP practice, Praxis Weissenbühl, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Löw
- Department of Practice Development in Nursing, Solothurner Spitaler AG, Solothurn, Switzerland
| | - Michael Simon
- Nursing Science (INS), Department Public Health (DPH), Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Müller
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
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Yun SY, Lim JY, Kim E, Oh J, Lee DH. Epidemiology and Clinical Characteristics of Older Patients Transferred from Long-Term-Care Hospitals (LTCHs) to Emergency Departments by a Comparison with Non-LTCHs in South Korea: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148879. [PMID: 35886728 PMCID: PMC9316191 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The South Korean population is rapidly aging, and the number of older patients in long-term-care hospitals (LTCHs) continues to increase. This study aims to investigate the epidemiologic data, characteristics, and clinical outcomes of patients aged 65 years and older transferred from LTCHs to emergency departments (EDs). This is a retrospective study based on National Emergency Department Information System data from 2014 to 2019. Of the 6,209,695 older patients visiting EDs for disease treatment, 211,141 (3.4%) were transferred from LTCHs. Among patients from LTCHs (211,141), 24.2% were discharged from EDs, 43.0% were admitted to general wards, 20.7% were hospitalized in intensive care units, 3.1% were transferred to another hospital, 6.1% returned to LTCHs, and 2.1% died in EDs. ED stays were the longest for those returning to LTCHs (710.49 ± 1127.43 min). Foley catheterization (40.3%) was most frequently performed in preventable ED visits. In South Korea, older patients being discharged from the ED or returning to LTCHs, after being transferred from LTCHs to EDs, increased. ED stays among older LTCH patients were longer than among non-LTCH older patients, contributing to congestion. To reduce avoidable transfer to EDs from LTCHs, it is necessary to discuss policies, such as expanding appropriate medical personnel and transitional treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soon Young Yun
- National Emergency Medical Center, National Medical Center, 245, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul 04564, Korea;
- Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Anyangcheonro 1071, YangChoengu, Seoul 07985, Korea; (J.Y.L.); (E.K.)
| | - Ji Yeon Lim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Anyangcheonro 1071, YangChoengu, Seoul 07985, Korea; (J.Y.L.); (E.K.)
| | - Eun Kim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Anyangcheonro 1071, YangChoengu, Seoul 07985, Korea; (J.Y.L.); (E.K.)
| | - Jongseok Oh
- Department of Economics, Seoul National University, Room 208, Bld 16, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea
- Correspondence: (J.O.); (D.H.L.)
| | - Duk Hee Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Anyangcheonro 1071, YangChoengu, Seoul 07985, Korea; (J.Y.L.); (E.K.)
- Correspondence: (J.O.); (D.H.L.)
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Kalideen L, Govender P, van Wyk JM. Standards and quality of care for older persons in long term care facilities: a scoping review. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:226. [PMID: 35303830 PMCID: PMC8933989 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-02892-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caring for older persons has become a global necessity to ensure functional ability and healthy ageing. It is of paramount importance that standards of care are monitored, especially for older persons who live in long term care facilities (LTCF). We, therefore, scoped and summarised evidence relating to standards and the quality of care for older persons in LTCFs in gerontological literature globally. METHODS We conducted a scoping review using Askey and O'Malley's framework, including Levac et al. recommendations. PubMed, CINAHL, Health Sources, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched with no date limitation up to May 2020 using keywords, Boolean terms, and medical subject headings. We also consulted the World Health Organization website and the reference list of included articles for evidence sources. This review also included peer-reviewed publications and grey literature in English that focused on standards and quality of care for older residents in LTCFs. Two reviewers independently screened the title, abstract, and full-text of evidence sources screening stages and performed the data extraction. Thematic content analysis was used, and a summary of the findings are reported narratively. RESULTS Sixteen evidence sources published from 1989 to 2017 met this study's eligibility criteria out of 73,845 citations obtained from the broader search. The majority of the studies were conducted in the USA 56% (9/16), and others were from Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, Norway, Israel, Japan, and France. The included studies presented evidence on the effectiveness of prompted voiding intervention for urinary incontinence in LTCFs (37.5%), the efficacy of professional support to LTCF staff (18.8%), and the prevention-effectiveness of a pressure ulcer programme in LTCFs (6.3%). Others presented evidence on regulation and quality of care (12.5%); nursing documentation and quality of care (6.3%); medical, nursing, and psychosocial standards on the quality of care (6.3%); medication safety using the Beer criteria (6.3%); and the quality of morning care provision (6.3%). CONCLUSION This study suggests most studies relating to standards and quality of care in LTCFs focus on effectiveness of interventions, few on people-centredness and safety, and are mainly conducted in European countries and the United States of America. Future studies on people-centerdness, safety, and geographical settings with limited or no evidence are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letasha Kalideen
- School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa.
| | - Pragashnie Govender
- School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Jacqueline Marina van Wyk
- School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa
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Reducing preventable patient transfers from long-term care facilities to emergency departments: a scoping review – CORRIGENDUM. CAN J EMERG MED 2020; 22:E16. [DOI: 10.1017/cem.2020.472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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