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Prusynski RA, Gold LS, Rundell SD. Utilization and Potential Disparities in Access to Physical Therapy for Spine Pain in the Long-Term Care Population. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2024:S0003-9993(24)01051-7. [PMID: 38866228 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2024.05.032] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the frequency of physical therapy (PT) services and potential disparities in receiving PT among Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries with a history of spine pain who live in long-term care (LTC) settings. DESIGN Secondary cross-sectional analysis of Medicare administrative data on beneficiaries with a history of spine pain from 2017-2019. We identified LTC residents using a validated algorithm, then identified and described PT episodes that occurred after the LTC index date. To identify potential disparities in access to PT services, we performed multivariable logistic regression to determine resident demographic, clinical, and community factors associated with receiving PT. SETTING Not applicable. PARTICIPANTS Medicare fee-for-service LTC residents aged ≥65 years. INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Receiving PT services. RESULTS Of the 999,495 LTC residents with a history of spine pain, 49.6% received PT. Only 12.1% of PT episodes specifically treated spine pain. The odds of receiving PT were higher for residents with pain in multiple spine regions or neuropathic pain (OR, 1.27; 95% confidence interval CI, 1.26-1.29) and for residents with inpatient admissions (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.75-1.78). Odds of receiving PT were lower for residents from minoritized racial and ethnic groups, and for residents with dementia (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.88-0.90), depression (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.94-0.96), or who lived in urban or more socioeconomically deprived areas. CONCLUSIONS Although nearly half of LTC residents with histories of spine pain received PT services, most PT was not for spine pain. There are potential disparities in access to PT for LTC residents from minoritized groups living in urban and more deprived areas. Further work should examine PT outcomes and remove barriers to PT for LTC residents with histories of spine pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Prusynski
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Division of Physical Therapy, University of Washington, Seattle WA; Department of Health Services and Population Health, University of Washington Seattle, WA.
| | - Laura S Gold
- Evidence and Research (CLEAR) Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders, the University of Washington Clinical Learning, Seattle, WA
| | - Sean D Rundell
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Division of Physical Therapy, University of Washington, Seattle WA; Evidence and Research (CLEAR) Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders, the University of Washington Clinical Learning, Seattle, WA
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Teasell R, Fleet JL, Harnett A. Post Stroke Exercise Training: Intensity, Dosage, and Timing of Therapy. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2024; 35:339-351. [PMID: 38514222 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2023.06.025] [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: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
More intense, earlier exercise in rehabilitation results in improved motor outcomes following stroke. Timing and intensity of therapy delivery vary from study to study. For more intensive therapies, there are practical challenges in implementation. However, there are also opportunities for high intensity treatment through innovative approaches and new technologies. Timing of rehabilitation is important. As time post stroke increases, the dosage of therapy required to improve motor recovery outcomes increases. Very early rehabilitation may improve motor outcomes but should be delayed for at least 24 hours post stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Teasell
- Parkwood Institute Research, Parkwood Institute, D4-101A, 550 Wellington Road, London, Canada; St. Joseph's Health Care London, London, Canada; Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
| | - Jamie L Fleet
- Parkwood Institute Research, Parkwood Institute, D4-101A, 550 Wellington Road, London, Canada; St. Joseph's Health Care London, London, Canada; Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Amber Harnett
- Parkwood Institute Research, Parkwood Institute, B3-123, 550 Wellington Road, London, Ontario N6C 0A7, Canada
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Prusynski RA, D’Alonzo A, Johnson MP, Mroz TM, Leland NE. Differences in Home Health Services and Outcomes Between Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage. JAMA HEALTH FORUM 2024; 5:e235454. [PMID: 38427341 PMCID: PMC10907922 DOI: 10.1001/jamahealthforum.2023.5454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Private Medicare Advantage (MA) plans recently surpassed traditional Medicare (TM) in enrollment. However, MA plans are facing scrutiny for burdensome prior authorization and potential rationing of care, including home health. MA beneficiaries are less likely to receive home health, but recent evidence on differences in service intensity and outcomes among home health patients is lacking. Objective To examine differences in home health service intensity and patient outcomes between MA and TM. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2019 to December 2022 in 102 home health locations in 19 states and included 178 195 TM and 107 102 MA patients 65 years or older with 2 or fewer 60-day home health episodes. It included a secondary analysis of standardized assessment and visit data. Inverse probability of treatment weighting regression compared service intensity and patient outcomes between MA and TM episodes, accounting for differences in demographic characteristics, medical complexity, functional and cognitive impairments, social environment, caregiver support, and local community factors. Models included office location, year, and reimbursement policy fixed effects. Data were analyzed between September 2023 and July 2024. Exposure TM vs MA plan. Main Outcomes and Measures Home health length of stay and number of visits from nursing, physical, occupational, and speech therapy, social work, and home health aides. Patient outcomes included improvement in self-care and mobility function, discharge to the community, and transfer to an inpatient facility during home health. Results Of 285 297 total patients, 180 283 (63.2%) were female; 586 (0.2%) were American Indian/Alaska Native, 8957 (3.1%) Asian, 28 694 (10.1%) Black, 7406 (2.6%) Hispanic, 1959 (0.7%) Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, 237 017 (83.1%) non-Hispanic White, and 678 (0.2%) multiracial individuals. MA patients had shorter home health length of stay by 1.62 days (95% CI, -1.82 to 1.42) and received fewer visits from all disciplines except social work. There were no differences in inpatient transfers. MA patients had 3% and 4% lower adjusted odds of improving in mobility and self-care, respectively (mobility odds ratio [OR], 0.97; 95% CI, 0.94-0.99; self-care OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.92-0.99). MA patients were 5% more likely to discharge to the community compared with TM (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.08). Conclusions and Relevance The results of this cross-sectional study suggest that MA patients receive shorter and less intensive home health care vs TM patients with similar needs. Differences may be due to the administrative burden and cost-limiting incentives of MA plans. MA patients experienced slightly worse functional outcomes but were more likely to discharge to the community, which may have negative implications for MA patients, including reduced functional independence or increased caregiver burden.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tracy M. Mroz
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Natalie E. Leland
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Prusynski RA, Frogner BK, Rundell SD, Pradhan S, Mroz TM. Is More Always Better? Financially Motivated Therapy and Patient Outcomes in Skilled Nursing Facilities. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2024; 105:287-294. [PMID: 37541357 PMCID: PMC10837324 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2023.07.014] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if financially motivated therapy in Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) is associated with patient outcomes. DESIGN Cohort study using 2018 Medicare administrative data. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS 13,949 SNFs in the United States. PARTICIPANTS 934,677 Medicare Part A patients admitted to SNF for post-acute rehabilitation (N=934,677). INTERVENTIONS The primary independent variable was an indicator of financially motivated therapy, separate from intensive therapy, known as thresholding, defined as when SNFs provide 10 or fewer minutes of therapy above weekly reimbursement thresholds. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Dichotomous indicators of successful discharge to the community vs institution and functional improvement on measures of transfers, ambulation, or locomotion. Mixed effects models estimated relations between thresholding and community discharge and functional improvement, adjusted for therapy intensity, patient, and facility characteristics. Sensitivity analyses estimated associations between thresholding and outcomes when patients were stratified by therapy volume. RESULTS Thresholding was associated with a small positive effect on functional improvement (odds ratio 1.07; 95% CI 1.06-1.09) and community discharge (odds ratio 1.03, 95% CI 1.02-1.05). Effect sizes for functional improvement were consistent across patients receiving different volumes of therapy. However, effect sizes for community discharge were largest for patients in low-volume therapy groups (odds ratio 1.27, 95% CI 1.18-1.35). CONCLUSIONS Patients who experienced thresholding during post-acute SNF stays were slightly more likely to improve in function and successfully discharge to the community, especially for patients receiving lower volumes of therapy. While thresholding is an inefficient and financially motivated practice, results suggest that even small amounts of extra therapy time may have contributed positively to outcomes for patients receiving lower-volume therapy. As therapy volumes decline in SNFs, these results emphasize the importance of Medicare payment policy designed to promote, not disincentivize, potentially beneficial rehabilitation services for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Prusynski
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA; Center for Health Workforce Studies, Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA.
| | - Bianca K Frogner
- Center for Health Workforce Studies, Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA
| | - Sean D Rundell
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA
| | - Sujata Pradhan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA
| | - Tracy M Mroz
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA; Center for Health Workforce Studies, Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA
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Bynum JPW, Montoya A, Lawton EJ, Gibbons JB, Banerjee M, Meddings J, Norton EC. Accountable Care Organization Attribution and Post-Acute Skilled Nursing Facility Outcomes for People Living With Dementia. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024; 25:53-57.e2. [PMID: 38081322 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.10.031] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Under the Accountable Care Organization (ACO) model, reductions in healthcare spending have been achieved by targeting post-acute care, particularly in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). People with Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD) are frequently discharged to SNF for post-acute care and may be at particular risk for unintended consequences of SNF cost reduction efforts. We examined SNF length of stay (LOS) and outcomes among ACO-attributed and non-ACO-attributed ADRD patients. DESIGN Observational serial cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Twenty percent national random sample of fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries (2013-2017) to identify beneficiaries with a diagnosis of ADRD and with a hospitalization followed by SNF admission (n = 263,676). METHODS Our primary covariate of interest was ACO (n = 66,842) and non-ACO (n = 196,834) attribution. Hospital readmission and death were measured for 3 time periods (<30, 31-90, and 91-180 days) following hospital discharge. We used 2-stage least squares regression to predict LOS as a function of ACO attribution, and patient and facility characteristics. RESULTS ACO-attributed ADRD patients have shorter SNF LOS than their non-ACO counterparts (31.7 vs 32.8 days; P < .001). Hospital readmission rates for ACO vs non-ACO differed at ≤30 days (13.9% vs 14.6%; P < .001) but were similar at 31-90 days and 91-180 days. No significant difference was observed in mortality post-hospital discharge for ACO vs non-ACO at ≤30 days; however, slightly higher mortality was observed at 31-90 days (8.4% vs 8.8%; P = .002) and 91-180 days (7.6% vs 7.9%; P = .011). No significant association was found between LOS and readmission, with small effects on mortality favoring ACOs in fully adjusted models. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Being an ACO-attributed patient is associated with shorter SNF LOS but is not associated with changes in readmission or mortality after controlling for other factors. Policies that shorten LOS may not have adverse effects on outcomes for people living with dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie P W Bynum
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Ana Montoya
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Emily J Lawton
- Department of Health Management and Policy, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jason B Gibbons
- Department of Health Policy and Managing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mousumi Banerjee
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jennifer Meddings
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Veterans Affairs, Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Veterans Affairs, Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Edward C Norton
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Prusynski RA, Rundell SD, Pradhan S, Mroz TM. Some But Not Too Much: Multiparticipant Therapy and Positive Patient Outcomes in Skilled Nursing Facilities. J Geriatr Phys Ther 2023; 46:185-195. [PMID: 36103147 PMCID: PMC10008750 DOI: 10.1519/jpt.0000000000000363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Physical and occupational therapy practices in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) were greatly impacted by the 2019 Medicare Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM). Under the PDPM, the practice of multiparticipant therapy-treating more than one patient per therapy provider per session-increased in SNFs, but it is unknown how substituting multiparticipant therapy for individualized therapy may impact patient outcomes. This cross-sectional study establishes baseline relationships between multiparticipant therapy and patient outcomes using pre-PDPM data. METHODS We used Minimum Data Set assessments from all short-term Medicare fee-for-service SNF stays in 2018. Using generalized mixed-effects logistic regression adjusted for therapy volume and patient factors, we examined associations between the proportion of minutes of physical and occupational therapy that were received as multiparticipant sessions during the SNF stay and 2 outcomes: community discharge and functional improvement. Multiparticipant therapy minutes as a proportion of total therapy time were categorized as none, low (below the median of 5%), medium (median to <25%), and high (≥25%) to reflect the 25% multiparticipant therapy limit required by the PDPM. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION We included 901 544 patients with complete data for functional improvement and 912 996 for the discharge outcome. Compared with patients receiving no multiparticipant therapy, adjusted models found small positive associations between low and medium multiparticipant therapy levels and outcomes. Patients receiving low levels of multiparticipant therapy had 14% higher odds of improving in function (95% CI 1.09-1.19) and 10% higher odds of community discharge (95% CI 1.05-1.15). Patients receiving medium levels of multiparticipant therapy had 18% higher odds of functional improvement (95% CI 1.13-1.24) and 44% higher odds of community discharge (95% CI 1.34-1.55). However, associations disappeared with high levels of multiparticipant therapy. CONCLUSIONS Prior to the PDPM, providing up to 25% multiparticipant therapy was an efficient strategy for SNFs that may have also benefitted patients. As positive associations disappeared with high levels (≥25%) of multiparticipant therapy, it may be best to continue delivering the majority of therapy in SNFs as individualized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Prusynski
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
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7
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Canter BE, Raschen L, Reinhardt JP, Weerahandi H, Mak W, Burack OR, Escher A, Boockvar KS. Characteristics of Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy Received by COVID-19 Patients in a Skilled Nursing Facility: A Retrospective Cohort Study. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2023; 24:459-461. [PMID: 36822236 PMCID: PMC9884616 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lauren Raschen
- Department of Rehabilitation The New Jewish Home, New York, NY
| | | | - Himali Weerahandi
- Division of Hospital Medicine Department of Medicine University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Wingyun Mak
- The Research Institute on Aging The New Jewish Home, New York, NY; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Orah R Burack
- The Research Institute on Aging, The New Jewish Home, New York, NY
| | - Anne Escher
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Boston University, Boston, MA
| | - Kenneth S Boockvar
- The Research Institute on Aging, The New Jewish Home, New York, NY; Division of Gerontology Geriatrics and Palliative Care, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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Prusynski RA, Humbert A, Leland NE, Frogner BK, Saliba D, Mroz TM. Dual impacts of Medicare payment reform and the COVID-19 pandemic on therapy staffing in skilled nursing facilities. J Am Geriatr Soc 2023; 71:609-619. [PMID: 36571515 PMCID: PMC9880747 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Implementation of new skilled nursing facility (SNF) Medicare payment policy, the Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM), resulted in immediate declines in physical and occupational therapy staffing. This study characterizes continuing impacts of PDPM in conjunction with COVID-19 on SNF therapy staffing and examines variability in staffing changes based on SNF organizational characteristics. METHODS We analyzed Medicare administrative data from a national cohort of SNFs between January 2019 and March 2022. Interrupted time series mixed effects regression examined changes in level and trend of total therapy staffing minutes/patient-day during PDPM and COVID-19 and by type of staff (therapists, assistants, contractors, and in-house staff). Secondary analyses examined the variability in staffing by organizational characteristics. RESULTS PDPM resulted in a -6.54% level change in total therapy staffing, with larger declines for assistants and contractors. Per-patient staffing fluctuated during COVID-19 as the census changed. PDPM-related staffing declines were larger in SNFs that were: Rural, for-profit, chain-affiliated, provided more intensive therapy, employed more therapy assistants, and admitted more Medicare patients before PDPM. COVID-19 resulted in larger staffing declines in rural SNFs but smaller early declines in SNFs that were hospital-based, for-profit, or received more relief funding. CONCLUSIONS SNFs that historically engaged in profit-maximizing behaviors (e.g., providing more therapy via lower-paid assistants) had larger staffing declines during PDPM compared to other SNFs. Therapy staffing fluctuated during COVID-19, but PDPM-related reductions persisted 2 years into the pandemic, especially in rural SNFs. Results suggest specific organizational characteristics that should be targeted for staffing and quality improvement initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Prusynski
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA, USA
| | - Andrew Humbert
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA, USA
| | - Natalie E Leland
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA, USA
| | - Bianca K Frogner
- Center for Health Workforce Studies, Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA, USA
| | - Debra Saliba
- UCLA Borun Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA, USA
- VA Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Tracy M Mroz
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA, USA
- Center for Health Workforce Studies, Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle WA, USA
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Prospective validation and application of the Trauma-Specific Frailty Index: Results of an American Association for the Surgery of Trauma multi-institutional observational trial. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2023; 94:36-44. [PMID: 36279368 DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000003817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The frailty index is a known predictor of adverse outcomes in geriatric patients. Trauma-Specific Frailty Index (TSFI) was created and validated at a single center to accurately identify frailty and reliably predict worse outcomes among geriatric trauma patients. This study aims to prospectively validate the TSFI in a multi-institutional cohort of geriatric trauma patients. METHODS This is a prospective, observational, multi-institutional trial across 17 American College of Surgeons Levels I, II, and III trauma centers. All geriatric trauma patients (65 years and older) presenting during a 3-year period were included. Frailty status was measured within 24 hours of admission using the TSFI (15 variables), and patients were stratified into nonfrail (TSFI, ≤0.12), prefrail (TSFI, 0.13-0.25), and frail (TSFI, >0.25) groups. Outcome measures included index admission mortality, discharge to rehabilitation centers or skilled nursing facilities (rehab/SNFs), and 3-month postdischarge readmissions, fall recurrences, complications, and mortality among survivors of index admission. RESULTS A total of 1,321 geriatric trauma patients were identified and enrolled for validation of TSFI (nonfrail, 435 [33%]; prefrail, 392 [30%]; frail, 494 [37%]). The mean ± SD age was 77 ± 8 years; the median (interquartile range) Injury Severity Score was 9 (5-13). Overall, 179 patients (14%) had a major complication, 554 (42%) were discharged to rehab/SNFs, and 63 (5%) died during the index admission. Compared with nonfrail patients, frail patients had significantly higher odds of mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.93; p = 0.018), major complications (aOR, 3.55; p < 0.001), and discharge to rehab/SNFs (aOR, 1.98; p < 0.001). In addition, frailty was significantly associated with higher adjusted odds of mortality, major complications, readmissions, and fall recurrence at 3 months postdischarge ( p < 0.05). CONCLUSION External applicability of the TSFI (15 variables) was evident at a multicenter cohort of 17 American College of Surgeons trauma centers in geriatric trauma patients. The TSFI emerged as an independent predictor of worse outcomes, both in the short-term and 3-month postdischarge. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level III.
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Wong YG, Hang JA, Francis-Coad J, Hill AM. Using comprehensive geriatric assessment for older adults undertaking a facility-based transition care program to evaluate functional outcomes: a feasibility study. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:598. [PMID: 35850671 PMCID: PMC9294817 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03255-5] [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: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in a residential transition care setting to measure older adults' functional outcomes. METHODS A convenience sample of older adults (n = 10) and staff (n = 4) was recruited. The feasibility of using assessment tools that comprise a CGA to comprehensively measure function in physical, cognitive, social and emotional domains was evaluated pre- and post-rehabilitation. RESULTS 10 older adults (mean ± SD age = 78.9 ± 9.1, n = 6 male) completed a CGA performed using assessments across physical, cognitive, social and emotional domains. The CGA took 55.9 ± 7.3 min to complete. Staff found CGA using the selected assessment tools to be acceptable and suitable for the transition care population. Older adults found the procedure to be timely and 60% found the assessments easy to comprehend. Participating in CGA also assisted older adults in understanding their present state of health. The older adults demonstrated improvements across all assessed domains including functional mobility (de Morton Mobility Index; baseline 41.5 ± 23.0, discharge 55.0 ± 24.0, p = 0.01) and quality of life (EQ-5D-5L; baseline 59.0 ± 21.7, discharge 78.0 ± 16.0, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Incorporating CGA to evaluate functional outcomes in transition care using a suite of assessment tools was feasible and enabled a holistic assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Git Wong
- Curtin School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Jo-Aine Hang
- Curtin School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Jacqueline Francis-Coad
- School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia.
| | - Anne-Marie Hill
- School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
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Zhang W, Luck J, Patil V, Mendez-Luck CA, Kaiser A. Changes in Therapy Utilization at Skilled Nursing Facilities Under Medicare's Patient Driven Payment Model. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2022; 23:1765-1771. [PMID: 35810791 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2022.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM) was implemented in October 2019 to reimburse skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) based on Medicare patients' clinical and functional characteristics rather than the volume of services provided. This study aimed to examine the changes in therapy utilization and quality of care under PDPM. DESIGN Quasi-experimental design. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS In total, 35,540 short stays by 27,967 unique patients in 121 Oregon SNFs. METHODS Using Minimum Data Set data from January 2019 to February 2020, we compared therapy utilization and quality of care for Medicare short stays before and after PDPM implementation to non-Medicare short stays. RESULTS The number of minutes of individual occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) per week for Medicare stays decreased by 19.3% (P < .001) and 19.0% (P < .001), respectively, in the first 5 months of PDPM implementation (before the COVID-19 pandemic). The number of group OT and PT minutes increased by 1.67 (P < .001) and 1.77 (P < .001) minutes, respectively. The magnitude of PDPM effects varied widely across stays with different diagnoses. PDPM implementation was not associated with statistically significant changes in length of SNF stay (P = .549), discharge to the community (P = .208), or readmission to the SNF within 30 days (P = .684). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS SNFs responded to PDPM with a significant reduction in individual OT and PT utilization and a smaller increase in group OT and PT utilization. No changes were observed in length of SNF stay, rates of discharge to the community, or readmission to the SNF in the first 5 months of PDPM implementation. Further research should examine the relative effects of individual and group therapy and their impact on the quality of SNF care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.
| | - Jeff Luck
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Vaishali Patil
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Carolyn A Mendez-Luck
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Alexandra Kaiser
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
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Prusynski RA, Pradhan S, Mroz TM. Skilled Nursing Facility Organizational Characteristics Are More Strongly Associated With Multiparticipant Therapy Provision Than Patient Characteristics. Phys Ther 2022; 102:pzab292. [PMID: 34972865 PMCID: PMC9097255 DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzab292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Multiparticipant physical and occupational therapy provision has fluctuated significantly in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) under shifts in Medicare reimbursement policy. Multiparticipant therapy includes group (2-6 individuals per therapist) and concurrent therapy (2 individuals per therapist). This study uses recent patient-level data to characterize multiparticipant therapy provision in SNFs to help anticipate shifts under new Medicare policy and the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS This secondary analysis used data on 1,016,984 post-acute rehabilitation stays in SNFs in 2018. This analysis identified patient predictors (eg, demographic, clinical) and organizational predictors (eg, ownership, quality, staffing) of receiving multiparticipant therapy using mixed-effects logistic regression. Among individuals who received any multiparticipant therapy, those patient or facility factors associated with high rates of multiparticipant therapy provision were also determined. RESULTS Less than 3% of individuals received multiparticipant therapy in 2018. Patient functional and cognitive impairment and indicators of market regulation were associated with lower odds of multiparticipant therapy. Effect sizes for organizational factors associated with multiparticipant therapy provision were generally larger compared with patient factors. High multiparticipant therapy provision was concentrated in <2% of SNFs and was positively associated with for-profit ownership, contract staffing, and low 5-star quality ratings. CONCLUSION SNF organizational characteristics tended to have stronger associations with multiparticipant therapy provision than patient factors, suggesting that changes in patient case-mix, as expected during the COVID-19 pandemic, may have less of an impact on multiparticipant therapy provision than organizational factors. Results suggest that for-profit SNFs in states with higher market regulation, SNFs providing high volumes of therapy, and SNFs utilizing high proportions of assistants and contract staff may be more responsive to Medicare policy by increasing multiparticipant therapy provision. IMPACT This study may help identify SNFs that are more likely to increase multiparticipant therapy provision under new Medicare payment policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Prusynski
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sujata Pradhan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Tracy M Mroz
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Effects of Systemic Rehabilitation Nursing Combined with WeChat Publicity and Education on the Early Cognitive Function and Living Quality of the Patients with Cerebral Arterial Thrombosis. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2022; 2022:7396950. [PMID: 35251575 PMCID: PMC8894030 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7396950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Objective To investigate the effects of systemic rehabilitation nursing combined with WeChat publicity and education on the early cognitive function and living quality of the patients with cerebral arterial thrombosis. Methods Ninety-two patients with cerebral arterial thrombosis treated in our hospital (January 2019–January 2021) were selected as the research objects and equably divided into control group and study group according to their nursing model, with 46 patients in each group. The control group received routine nursing, while the study group received systemic rehabilitation nursing combined with WeChat publicity and education based on the routine nursing. The early cognitive functions, living quality, and other observation indexes of the two groups after nursing were compared, and the intervention effects were evaluated. Results No statistical difference in the general data was observed between the two groups (P > 0.05). The NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) scores, Fugl-Meyer scores, and MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) scores of the two groups after nursing were all better than those before nursing, and the NIHSS score, Fugl-Meyer score, and MoCA score of the study group after nursing were better than those of the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the study group had a remarkably higher excellent and good rate of daily living ability after nursing (P < 0.05) and prominently higher SIS (Sensory Index Score) after nursing (P < 0.05). The SIS included the scores of emotion, strength, ADL (activities of daily living), memory and thinking, hand function, communication and participation as well as the total score. Conclusion The systemic rehabilitation nursing combined with WeChat publicity and education can effectively reduce the degree of neurological deficit of the patients with cerebral arterial thrombosis, improve their early cognitive function and motor function, and increase their daily living ability and prognostic living quality.
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Hortobágyi T, Sipos D, Borbély G, Áfra G, Reichardt-Varga E, Sántha G, Nieboer W, Tamási K, Tollár J. Detraining Slows and Maintenance Training Over 6 Years Halts Parkinsonian Symptoms-Progression. Front Neurol 2021; 12:737726. [PMID: 34867721 PMCID: PMC8641297 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.737726] [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: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: There are scant data to demonstrate that the long-term non-pharmaceutical interventions can slow the progression of motor and non-motor symptoms and lower drug dose in Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: After randomization, the Exercise-only (E, n = 19) group completed an initial 3-week-long, 15-session supervised, high-intensity sensorimotor agility exercise program designed to improve the postural stability. The Exercise + Maintenance (E + M, n = 22) group completed the 3-week program and continued the same program three times per week for 6 years. The no exercise and no maintenance control (C, n = 26) group continued habitual living. In each patient, 11 outcomes were measured before and after the 3-week initial exercise program and then, at 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 months. Results: The longitudinal linear mixed effects modeling of each variable was fitted with maximum likelihood estimation and adjusted for baseline and covariates. The exercise program strongly improved the primary outcome, Motor Experiences of Daily Living, by ~7 points and all secondary outcomes [body mass index (BMI), disease and no disease-specific quality of life, depression, mobility, and standing balance]. In E group, the detraining effects lasted up to 12 months. E+M group further improved the initial exercise-induced gains up to 3 months and the gains were sustained until year 6. In C group, the symptoms worsened steadily. By year 6, levodopa (L-dopa) equivalents increased in all the groups but least in E + M group. Conclusion: A short-term, high-intensity sensorimotor agility exercise program improved the PD symptoms up to a year during detraining but the subsequent 6-year maintenance program was needed to further increase or sustain the initial improvements in the symptoms, quality of life, and drug dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibor Hortobágyi
- Center for Human Movement Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Somogy County Kaposi Mór Teaching Hospital, Kaposvár, Hungary.,Department of Sport Biology, Institute of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Division of Training and Movement Sciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Dávid Sipos
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Imaging, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gábor Borbély
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - György Áfra
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Emese Reichardt-Varga
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gergely Sántha
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ward Nieboer
- Center for Human Movement Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Katalin Tamási
- Departments of Epidemiology and Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - József Tollár
- Somogy County Kaposi Mór Teaching Hospital, Kaposvár, Hungary.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Imaging, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Digital Development Center, Széchényi István University, Györ, Hungary
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Handlery R, Shover E, Chhoun T, Durant L, Handlery K, Harrington SE, Stock MS, Fritz SL. We Don't Know Our Own Strength: A Survey of Strength Training Attitudes, Behaviors, and Knowledge in Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Students. Phys Ther 2021; 101:6358618. [PMID: 34473297 DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzab204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Strength training is frequently utilized by physical therapists; however, there has been discussion about whether physical therapists utilize strength training adequately. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the strength training attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge of physical therapists and physical therapy students and to determine how participant characteristics influenced knowledge scores. METHODS An anonymous survey was created in 3 rounds. For round 1, researchers used textbooks to create items assessing demographics, attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge regarding strength training. Rounds 2 and 3 consisted of feedback from 7 content experts until 80% consensus was reached; items were added, removed, or edited based on feedback. The final survey was distributed through social media, list servs, and email targeting physical therapists and students based in the United States. Response frequencies for all items were reported. Overall knowledge scores were calculated by summing correct responses for each item, with a maximum score of 13; scores <70% were considered low. Binomial logistic regression determined which characteristics (demographics, attitudes, or behaviors) influenced whether participants adequately utilized strength training principles (scored ≥70% on knowledge items). RESULTS There were 777 physical therapist and 648 student participants. Nearly 90% of therapists and students reported frequently prescribing strength training. Over 48% of therapists felt their professional education did not prepare them to apply strength training (compared with 24% of students), and 68% believed that strength training is inadequately applied in physical therapy (compared with 40% of students). Sixty-two percent of therapists and 55% of students scored ≥70% for knowledge items. Additional strength training education and regular participation in strength training increased the odds of scoring ≥70% on knowledge items. CONCLUSION Physical therapists and physical therapy students frequently prescribe strength training despite similarly low knowledge scores. To increase knowledge, greater emphasis on strength training in professional education, continuing education, participation in strength training, or all 3 is warranted. IMPACT Strength training is an important intervention used in physical therapy and must be used appropriately to improve the health of patients. According to these findings, strength training education may not currently be optimal, as demonstrated by low knowledge scores by both therapists and students. Further work is needed to determine how knowledge of strength training relates to patient outcomes and also how best to implement strength training in physical therapy education and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reed Handlery
- Arkansas Colleges of Health Education, School of Physical Therapy, Fort Smith, Arkansas, USA
| | - Emma Shover
- Department of Exercise Science, Physical Therapy Program, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Thavi Chhoun
- Department of Exercise Science, Physical Therapy Program, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Lauren Durant
- Department of Exercise Science, Physical Therapy Program, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Kaci Handlery
- Department of Exercise Science, Physical Therapy Program, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Shana E Harrington
- Department of Exercise Science, Physical Therapy Program, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Matt S Stock
- School of Kinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Stacy L Fritz
- Department of Exercise Science, Physical Therapy Program, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
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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.
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Prusynski RA, Leland NE, Frogner BK, Leibbrand C, Mroz TM. Therapy Staffing in Skilled Nursing Facilities Declined after Implementation of the Patient-Driven Payment Model. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2021; 22:2201-2206. [PMID: 33965404 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2021.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM), a new reimbursement policy for Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs), was implemented in October 2019. PDPM disincentivizes provision of intensive physical and occupational therapy, however, there is concern that declines in therapy staffing may negatively impact patient outcomes. This study aimed to characterize the SNF industry response to PDPM in terms of therapy staffing. DESIGN Segmented regression interrupted time series. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS 15,432 SNFs in the United States. METHODS Using SNF Payroll Based Journal data from January 1, 2019, through March 31, 2020, we calculated national weekly averages of therapy staffing minutes per patient-day for all therapy staff and for subgroups of physical and occupational therapists, therapy assistants, contract staff, and in-house employees. We used interrupted time series regression to estimate immediate and gradual effects of PDPM implementation. RESULTS Total therapy staffing minutes per patient-day declined by 5.5% in the week immediately following PDPM implementation (P < .001), and the trend experienced an additional decline of 0.2% per week for the first 6 months after PDPM compared with the negative pre-PDPM baseline trend (P < .001), for a 14.7% total decline by the end of March 2020. Physical and occupational therapy disciplines experienced similar immediate and gradual declines in staffing. Assistant and contract staffing reductions were larger than for therapist and in-house employees, respectively. All subgroups except for assistants and contract staff experienced significantly steeper declines in staffing trends compared with pre-PDPM trends. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS SNFs appeared to have responded to PDPM with both immediate and gradual reductions in therapy staffing, with an average decline of 80 therapy staffing minutes over the average patient stay. Assistant and contract staff experienced the largest immediate declines. Therapy staffing and quality outcomes require ongoing monitoring to ensure staffing reductions do not have negative implications for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Prusynski
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Natalie E Leland
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Bianca K Frogner
- Center for Health Workforce Studies, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christine Leibbrand
- Center for Studies in Demography & Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tracy M Mroz
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Center for Health Workforce Studies, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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