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Travers JL, Castle N, Weaver SH, Perera UG, Wu B, Dick AW, Stone PW. Environmental and structural factors driving poor quality of care: An examination of nursing homes serving Black residents. J Am Geriatr Soc 2023; 71:3040-3048. [PMID: 37306117 PMCID: PMC10592533 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18459] [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: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor quality of care in nursing homes (NHs) with high proportions of Black residents has been a problem in the US and even more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Federal and state agencies are devoting attention to identifying the best means of improving care in the neediest facilities. It is important to understand environmental and structural characteristics that may have led to poor healthcare outcomes in NHs serving high proportions of Black residents pre-pandemic. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional observational study using multiple 2019 national datasets. Our exposure was the proportion of Black residents in a NH (i.e., none, <5%, 5%-19.9%, 20-49.9%, ≥50%). Healthcare outcomes examined were hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits, both observed and risk-adjusted. Structural factors included staffing, ownership status, bed count (0-49, 50-149, or ≥150), chain organization membership, occupancy, and percent Medicaid as a payment source. Environmental factors included region and urbanicity. Descriptive and multivariable linear regression models were estimated. RESULTS In the 14,121 NHs, compared to NHs with no Black residents, NHs with ≥50% Black residents tended to be urban, for-profit, located in the South, have more Medicaid-funded residents, and have lower ratios of registered-nurse (RN) and aide hours per resident per day (HPRD) and greater ratios of licensed practical nurse HPRD. In general, as the proportion of Black residents in a NH increased, hospitalizations and ED visits also increased. DISCUSSION/IMPLICATIONS As lower use of RNs has been associated with increased ED visits and hospitalizations in NHs generally, it is likely low RN use largely drove the differences in hospitalizations and ED visits in NHs with greater proportions of Black residents. Staffing is an area in which state and federal agencies should take action to improve the quality of care in NHs with larger proportions of Black residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine L. Travers
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, 433 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | | | - Susan H. Weaver
- New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA
| | - Uduwanage G. Perera
- Columbia University School of Nursing, 560 West 168 St. New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Bei Wu
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, 433 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | | | - Patricia W. Stone
- Columbia University School of Nursing, 560 West 168 St. New York, NY 10032, USA
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Wagg A, Hoben M, Ginsburg L, Doupe M, Berta W, Song Y, Norton P, Knopp-Sihota J, Estabrooks C. Safer Care for Older Persons in (residential) Environments (SCOPE): a pragmatic controlled trial of a care aide-led quality improvement intervention. Implement Sci 2023; 18:9. [PMID: 36991434 PMCID: PMC10054219 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-022-01259-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increased complexity of residents and increased needs for care in long-term care (LTC) have not been met with increased staffing. There remains a need to improve the quality of care for residents. Care aides, providers of the bulk of direct care, are well placed to contribute to quality improvement efforts but are often excluded from so doing. This study examined the effect of a facilitation intervention enabling care aides to lead quality improvement efforts and improve the use of evidence-informed best practices. The eventual goal was to improve both the quality of care for older residents in LTC homes and the engagement and empowerment of care aides in leading quality improvement efforts. METHODS Intervention teams participated in a year-long facilitative intervention which supported care aide-led teams to test changes in care provision to residents using a combination of networking and QI education meetings, and quality advisor and senior leader support. This was a controlled trial with random selection of intervention clinical care units matched 1:1 post hoc with control units. The primary outcome, between group change in conceptual research use (CRU), was supplemented by secondary staff- and resident-level outcome measures. A power calculation based upon pilot data effect sizes resulted in a sample size of 25 intervention sites. RESULTS The final sample included 32 intervention care units matched to 32 units in the control group. In an adjusted model, there was no statistically significant difference between intervention and control units for CRU or in secondary staff outcomes. Compared to baseline, resident-adjusted pain scores were statistically significantly reduced (less pain) in the intervention group (p=0.02). The level of resident dependency significantly decreased statistically for residents whose teams addressed mobility (p<0.0001) compared to baseline. CONCLUSIONS The Safer Care for Older Persons in (residential) Environments (SCOPE) intervention resulted in a smaller change in its primary outcome than initially expected resulting in a study underpowered to detect a difference. These findings should inform sample size calculations of future studies of this nature if using similar outcome measures. This study highlights the problem with measures drawn from current LTC databases to capture change in this population. Importantly, findings from the trial's concurrent process evaluation provide important insights into interpretation of main trial data, highlight the need for such evaluations of complex trials, and suggest the need to consider more broadly what constitutes "success" in complex interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT03426072, registered August 02, 2018, first participant site April, 05, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Wagg
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Matthias Hoben
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Liane Ginsburg
- School of Health Policy & Management, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Malcolm Doupe
- Departments of Community Health Sciences, Emergency Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Whitney Berta
- Institute of Health Policy, Management & Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, ON, Toronto, Canada
| | - Yuting Song
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Peter Norton
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jennifer Knopp-Sihota
- Faculty of Health Disciplines, Athabasca University & Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Carole Estabrooks
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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3
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The 2021 proposal to increase market forces in the Australian residential aged-care sector. Health Policy 2023; 127:60-65. [PMID: 36470794 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In Australia, the US and Europe, policy makers use markets to incentivise aged care providers to produce greater quality care. The Australian Government announced in 2021 that it would further increase market forces in residential aged care to improve quality. The proposals respond to poor quality found within residential aged care, with overuse of psychotropic medications and physical constraints, social isolation and neglect. This paper outlines the market-orientated reforms the Government seeks to implement, including the policy development pathway over the last two decades. It refers to a theoretical model of provider behaviour under administered prices, and empirical research on the impact of similar market-orientated reforms delivered elsewhere, to highlight the reforms' strengths, weaknesses, and potential market outcomes. This paper concludes by identifying additional reforms that could better incentivise care quality and offers lessons to countries that have sought to marketise their nursing home care sectors.
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Hawk T, White EM, Bishnoi C, Schwartz LB, Baier RR, Gifford DR. Facility characteristics and costs associated with meeting proposed minimum staffing levels in skilled nursing facilities. J Am Geriatr Soc 2022; 70:1198-1207. [PMID: 35113449 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.17678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Federal minimum nurse staffing levels for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) were proposed in 2019 U.S. Congressional bills. We estimated costs and personnel needed to meet the proposed staffing levels, and examined characteristics of SNFs not meeting these thresholds. METHODS This was a cross-sectional analysis of 2019Q4 payroll data, the Hospital Wage Index, and other administrative data for 14,964 Medicare and Medicaid-certified SNFs. We examined characteristics of SNFs not meeting proposed minimum thresholds: 4.1 total nursing hours per resident day (HPRD); 0.75 registered nurse (RN) HPRD; 0.54 licensed practical nurse (LPN) HPRD; and 2.81 certified nursing assistant (CNA) HPRD. For SNFs falling below the thresholds, we calculated the additional HPRD needed, along with the associated full-time equivalent (FTE) personnel and salary costs. RESULTS In 2019, 25.0% of SNFs met the minimum 4.1 total nursing HPRD, while 31.0%, 84.5%, and 10.7% met the RN, LPN, and CNA thresholds, respectively. Only 5.0% met all four categories. In adjusted analyses, factors most strongly associated with SNFs not meeting the proposed minimums were: higher Medicaid census, larger bed size, for-profit ownership, higher county SNF competition; and, for RNs specifically, higher community poverty and lower Medicare census. Rural SNFs were less likely to meet all categories and this was explained primarily by county SNF competition. We estimate that achieving the proposed federal minimums across SNFs nationwide would require an estimated additional 35,804 RN, 3509 LPN, and 116,929 CNA FTEs at $7.25 billion annually in salary costs based on current wage rates and prepandemic resident census levels. CONCLUSIONS Achieving proposed minimum nurse staffing levels in SNFs will require substantial financial investment in the workforce and targeted support of low-resource facilities. Extensive recruitment and retention efforts are needed to overcome supply constraints, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry Hawk
- Center for Health Policy and Evaluation in Long-Term Care, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Elizabeth M White
- Center for Gerontology & Healthcare Research, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Department of Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Courtney Bishnoi
- Center for Health Policy and Evaluation in Long-Term Care, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Lindsay B Schwartz
- Center for Health Policy and Evaluation in Long-Term Care, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Rosa R Baier
- Department of Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Center for Long-Term Care Quality & Innovation, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - David R Gifford
- Center for Health Policy and Evaluation in Long-Term Care, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.,Center for Gerontology & Healthcare Research, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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Orth J, Li Y, Simning A, Zimmerman S, Temkin-Greener H. Nursing Home Residents With Dementia: Association Between Place of Death and Patient Safety Culture. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2021; 61:1296-1306. [PMID: 33206175 PMCID: PMC8809190 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnaa188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Nursing homes (NHs) care for 70% of Americans dying with dementia. Many consider deaths in NHs rather than hospitals as preferable for most of these residents. NH characteristics such as staff teamwork, communication, and other components of patient safety culture (PSC), together with state minimum NH nurse staffing requirements, may influence location of death. We examined associations between these variables and place of death (NH/hospital) among residents with dementia. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Cross-sectional study of 11,957 long-stay NH residents with dementia, age 65+, who died in NHs or hospitals shortly following discharge from one of 800 U.S. NHs in 2017. Multivariable logistic regression systematically estimated effects of PSC on odds of in-hospital death among residents with dementia, controlling for resident, NH, county, and state characteristics. Logistic regressions also determined moderating effects of state minimum NH nurse staffing requirements on relationships between key PSC domains and location of death. RESULTS Residents with dementia in NHs with higher PSC scores in communication openness had lower odds of in-hospital death. This effect was stronger in NHs located in states with higher minimum NH nurse staffing requirements. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Promoting communication openness in NHs across nursing disciplines may help avoid unnecessary hospitalization at the end of life, and merits particular attention as NHs address nursing staff mix while adhering to state staffing requirements. Future research to better understand unintended consequences of staffing requirements is needed to improve end-of-life care in NHs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Orth
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, New York, USA
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, New York, USA
| | - Adam Simning
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, New York, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, New York, USA
| | - Sheryl Zimmerman
- The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research and The Schools of Social Work and Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Helena Temkin-Greener
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, New York, USA
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Jester DJ, Hyer K, Bowblis JR. Quality Concerns in Nursing Homes That Serve Large Proportions of Residents With Serious Mental Illness. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2020; 60:1312-1321. [DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnaa044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objectives
Nursing homes (NHs) are serving greater proportions of residents with serious mental illness (SMI), and it is unclear whether this affects NH quality. We analyze the highest and lowest quartiles of NHs based on the proportion of residents with SMI and compare these NHs on facility characteristics, staffing, and quality stars.
Research Design and Methods
National Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reports data were merged with NH Compare data for all freestanding certified NHs in the continental United States in 2016 (N = 14,460). NHs were categorized into “low-SMI” and “high-SMI” facilities using the lowest and highest quartiles, respectively, of the proportion of residents in the NH with SMI. Bivariate analyses and logistic models were used to examine differences in organizational structure, payer mix, resident characteristics, and staffing levels associated with high-SMI NHs. Linear models examined differences in quality stars.
Results
High-SMI facilities were found to report lower direct-care staffing hours, have a greater Medicaid-paying resident census, were more likely to be for-profit, and scored lower on all NH Compare star ratings in comparison to all other NHs.
Discussion and Implications
As the SMI population in NHs continues to grow, a large number of residents have concentrated in a few NHs. These are uniquely different from typical NHs in terms of facility characteristics, staffing, and care practices. While further research is needed to understand the implications of these trends, public policymakers and NH providers need to be aware of this population’s unique—and potentially unmet—needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan J Jester
- Florida Policy Exchange Center on Aging, School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Kathryn Hyer
- Florida Policy Exchange Center on Aging, School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - John R Bowblis
- Department of Economics, Farmer School of Business, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
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Obadha M, Barasa E, Kazungu J, Abiiro GA, Chuma J. Attribute development and level selection for a discrete choice experiment to elicit the preferences of health care providers for capitation payment mechanism in Kenya. HEALTH ECONOMICS REVIEW 2019; 9:30. [PMID: 31667632 PMCID: PMC6822414 DOI: 10.1186/s13561-019-0247-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stated preference elicitation methods such as discrete choice experiments (DCEs) are now widely used in the health domain. However, the "quality" of health-related DCEs has come under criticism due to the lack of rigour in conducting and reporting some aspects of the design process such as attribute and level development. Superficially selecting attributes and levels and vaguely reporting the process might result in misspecification of attributes which may, in turn, bias the study and misinform policy. To address these concerns, we meticulously conducted and report our systematic attribute development and level selection process for a DCE to elicit the preferences of health care providers for the attributes of a capitation payment mechanism in Kenya. METHODOLOGY We used a four-stage process proposed by Helter and Boehler to conduct and report the attribute development and level selection process. The process entailed raw data collection, data reduction, removing inappropriate attributes, and wording of attributes. Raw data was collected through a literature review and a qualitative study. Data was reduced to a long list of attributes which were then screened for appropriateness by a panel of experts. The resulting attributes and levels were worded and pretested in a pilot study. Revisions were made and a final list of attributes and levels decided. RESULTS The literature review unearthed seven attributes of provider payment mechanisms while the qualitative study uncovered 10 capitation attributes. Then, inappropriate attributes were removed using criteria such as salience, correlation, plausibility, and capability of being traded. The resulting five attributes were worded appropriately and pretested in a pilot study with 31 respondents. The pilot study results were used to make revisions. Finally, four attributes were established for the DCE, namely, payment schedule, timeliness of payments, capitation rate per individual per year, and services to be paid by the capitation rate. CONCLUSION By rigorously conducting and reporting the process of attribute development and level selection of our DCE,we improved transparency and helped researchers judge the quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melvin Obadha
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI | Wellcome Trust Research Programme, P.O. Box 43640 – 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Edwine Barasa
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI | Wellcome Trust Research Programme, P.O. Box 43640 – 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jacob Kazungu
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI | Wellcome Trust Research Programme, P.O. Box 43640 – 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Gilbert Abotisem Abiiro
- Department of Planning, Faculty of Planning and Land Management, University for Development Studies, Wa, Ghana
| | - Jane Chuma
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI | Wellcome Trust Research Programme, P.O. Box 43640 – 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
- World Bank Group, Kenya Country Office, P.O. Box 30577-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
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Philpotts YF, Ma X, Anderson MR, Hua M, Baldwin MR. Health Insurance and Disparities in Mortality among Older Survivors of Critical Illness: A Population Study. J Am Geriatr Soc 2019; 67:2497-2504. [PMID: 31449681 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The 1.5 million Medicare beneficiaries who survive intensive care each year have a high post-hospitalization mortality rate. We aimed to determine whether mortality after critical illness is higher for Medicare beneficiaries with Medicaid compared with those with commercial insurance. DESIGN A retrospective cohort study from 2010 through 2014 with 1 year of follow-up using the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database. SETTING A New York State population-based study of older (age ≥65 y) survivors of intensive care. PARTICIPANTS Adult Medicare beneficiaries age 65 years or older who were hospitalized with intensive care at a New York State hospital and survived to discharge. INTERVENTION None. MEASUREMENT Mortality in the first year after hospital discharge. RESULTS The study included 340 969 Medicare beneficiary survivors of intensive care with a mean (standard deviation) age of 77 (8) years; 20% died within 1 year. There were 152 869 (45%) with commercial insurance, 78 577 (23%) with Medicaid, and 109 523 (32%) with Medicare alone. Compared with those with commercial insurance, those with Medicare alone had a similar 1-year mortality rate (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI] = .99-1.04), and those with Medicaid had a 9% higher 1-year mortality rate (aHR = 1.09; 95% CI = 1.05-1.12). Among those discharged home, the 1-year mortality rate did not vary by insurance coverage, but among those discharged to skilled-care facilities (SCFs), the 1-year mortality rate was 16% higher for Medicaid recipients (aHR = 1.16; 95% CI = 1.12-1.21; P for interaction <.001). CONCLUSIONS Older adults with Medicaid insurance have a higher 1-year post-hospitalization mortality compared with those with commercial insurance, especially among those discharged to SCFs. Future studies should investigate care disparities at SCFs that may mediate these higher mortality rates. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2497-2504, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoland F Philpotts
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Xiaoyue Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
| | - Michaela R Anderson
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
| | - May Hua
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York.,Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
| | - Matthew R Baldwin
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
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Hackmann MB. Incentivizing Better Quality of Care: The Role of Medicaid and Competition in the Nursing Home Industry. THE AMERICAN ECONOMIC REVIEW 2019; 109:1684-1716. [PMID: 31186575 PMCID: PMC6559742 DOI: 10.1257/aer.20151057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This paper develops a model of the nursing home industry to investigate the quality effects of policies that either raise regulated reimbursement rates or increase local competition. Using data from Pennsylvania, I estimate the parameters of the model. The findings indicate that nursing homes increase the quality of care, measured by the number of skilled nurses per resident, by 8.7% following a universal 10% increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates. In contrast, I find that pro-competitive policies lead to only small increases in skilled nurse staffing ratios, suggesting that Medicaid increases are more cost effective in raising the quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin B Hackmann
- Department of Economics, UCLA; CESifo; and NBER; 8283 Bunche Hall, Los Angeles, CA 90095
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The Relationship Between Quality of Care, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy Staffing Levels in Nursing Homes in 4 Years' Follow-up. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2019; 20:462-469. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Standardization in production is common in multientity chain organizations. Although chains are prominent in the nursing home sector, standardization in care has not been studied. One way nursing home chains may standardize is by controlling the level and mix of staffing in member homes. OBJECTIVES To examine the extent to which standardization occurred in staffing, its relative presence across different types of chains, and whether facilities became more standardized following acquisition by a chain. RESEARCH DESIGN We estimated predictors of the difference between facility and chain staffing using Generalized Estimating Equations with 2000-2010 data. SUBJECTS This study included nursing homes nationally, excluding hospital-based homes and homes in Alaska, Hawaii, and the District of Columbia. MEASURES Chain ownership was coded from text identifying chain names. Two nurse staffing measures were used: staff hours per resident day and staff mix. RESULTS Very large for-profit chain nursing homes and large nonprofits had less variation in staff hours per resident day (P<0.001) but greater variation in staffing mix (P<0.001) compared with the chain average nationally. Large for-profit chains and medium nonprofit chains had greater dispersion on staff hours per resident day (P<0.001), while large nonprofit chains had greater dispersion in staffing mix (P<0.001). The difference between facility and chain staffing decreased over time. CONCLUSIONS The largest chains (for-profit and nonprofit) had less staffing variation compared with national standards, suggesting they were best at implementing corporate practices. Following ownership changes, staffing converged towards chain averages over time, suggesting standardization takes time to implement.
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Kazungu JS, Barasa EW, Obadha M, Chuma J. What characteristics of provider payment mechanisms influence health care providers' behaviour? A literature review. Int J Health Plann Manage 2018; 33:e892-e905. [PMID: 29984422 PMCID: PMC7611391 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.2565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Provider payment mechanisms (PPMs) create incentives or signals that influence the behaviour of health care providers. Understanding the characteristics of PPMs that influence health care providers' behaviour is essential for aligning PPM reforms for improving access, quality, and efficiency of health care services. We reviewed empirical literature that examined the characteristics of PPMs that influence the behaviour of health care providers. METHODS We systematically searched for empirical literature in PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases and complemented these with physical searching of the references of selected papers for further relevant studies. A total of 16 studies that met our inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified. We analysed data using thematic review. RESULTS We identified seven major characteristics of PPMs that influence health care providers' behaviour. Of these characteristics, payment rate, the sufficiency of payment rate to cover the cost of services, timeliness of payment, payment schedule, performance requirements, and accountability mechanisms were the most important. CONCLUSIONS Our review found that health care providers' behaviour is influenced by the characteristics of PPMs. Provider payment mechanism reforms that optimally structure these characteristics can elicit required incentives for access, equity, quality, and efficiency in service delivery among health care providers towards achieving universal health coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob S. Kazungu
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Edwine W. Barasa
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Melvin Obadha
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jane Chuma
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
- Kenya Country Office, World Bank Group, Nairobi, Kenya
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Bos A, Boselie P, Trappenburg M. Financial performance, employee well-being, and client well-being in for-profit and not-for-profit nursing homes: A systematic review. Health Care Manage Rev 2018; 42:352-368. [PMID: 28885990 DOI: 10.1097/hmr.0000000000000121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expanding the opportunities for for-profit nursing home care is a central theme in the debate on the sustainable organization of the growing nursing home sector in Western countries. PURPOSES We conducted a systematic review of the literature over the last 10 years in order to determine the broad impact of nursing home ownership in the United States. Our review has two main goals: (a) to find out which topics have been studied with regard to financial performance, employee well-being, and client well-being in relation to nursing home ownership and (b) to assess the conclusions related to these topics. The review results in two propositions on the interactions between financial performance, employee well-being, and client well-being as they relate to nursing home ownership. METHODOLOGY/APPROACH Five search strategies plus inclusion and quality assessment criteria were applied to identify and select eligible studies. As a result, 50 studies were included in the review. Relevant findings were categorized as related to financial performance (profit margins, efficiency), employee well-being (staffing levels, turnover rates, job satisfaction, job benefits), or client well-being (care quality, hospitalization rates, lawsuits/complaints) and then analyzed based on common characteristics. FINDINGS For-profit nursing homes tend to have better financial performance, but worse results with regard to employee well-being and client well-being, compared to not-for-profit sector homes. We argue that the better financial performance of for-profit nursing homes seems to be associated with worse employee and client well-being. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS For policy makers considering the expansion of the for-profit sector in the nursing home industry, our findings suggest the need for a broad perspective, simultaneously weighing the potential benefits and drawbacks for the organization, its employees, and its clients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Bos
- Aline Bos, MSc, is PhD Student, Utrecht University School of Governance, the Netherlands. E-mail: Boselie, PhD, is Professor of Strategic Human Resource Management, Utrecht University School of Governance, the Netherlands.Margo Trappenburg, PhD, is Professor of Social work, University of Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, the Netherlands, and Associate Professor, Utrecht University School of Governance, the Netherlands
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Li Y, Harrington C, Mukamel DB, Cen X, Cai X, Temkin-Greener H. Nurse Staffing Hours At Nursing Homes With High Concentrations Of Minority Residents, 2001-11. Health Aff (Millwood) 2017; 34:2129-37. [PMID: 26643634 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2015.0422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Recent increases in state Medicaid payments to nursing homes have the potential to reduce disparities in nurse staffing between facilities with high and low concentrations of racial/ethnic minority residents. Analyses of nursing home and state policy survey data for the period 2001-11 suggest that registered nurse and licensed practical nurse staffing levels increased slightly during this period, regardless of racial/ethnic minority resident concentration. Adjusted disparities in registered nurse hours per resident day between nursing homes with high and low concentrations of minority residents persisted, although they were reduced. Certified nursing assistant hours per patient day increased in nursing homes with low concentrations of minorities but decreased in homes with high concentrations, creating a new disparity. Overall, increases in state Medicaid payment rates to nursing homes were associated with improvements in staffing and reduced staffing disparities across facilities, but the adoption of case-mix payments had the opposite effect. Further reforms in health care delivery and payment are needed to address persistent disparities in care between nursing homes serving higher proportions of minority residents and those serving lower proportions, and to prevent unintended exacerbations of such disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Yue Li is an associate professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of Rochester, in New York
| | - Charlene Harrington
- Charlene Harrington is a professor of nursing at the University of California, San Francisco
| | - Dana B Mukamel
- Dana B. Mukamel is a professor in the Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine
| | - Xi Cen
- Xi Cen is a PhD candidate in the Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of Rochester
| | - Xueya Cai
- Xueya Cai is a research associate professor in the Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology at the University of Rochester
| | - Helena Temkin-Greener
- Helena Temkin-Greener is a professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of Rochester
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Li Y, Harrington C, Temkin-Greener H, You K, Cai X, Cen X, Mukamel DB. Deficiencies In Care At Nursing Homes And Racial/Ethnic Disparities Across Homes Fell, 2006-11. Health Aff (Millwood) 2016; 34:1139-46. [PMID: 26153308 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2015.0094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Despite the increased use of nursing homes by minority residents, nursing home care remains highly segregated. Compared to whites, racial/ethnic minorities tend to be cared for in facilities with limited clinical and financial resources, low nurse staffing levels, and a relatively high number of care deficiency citations. We assessed the trends from 2006 to 2011 in those citations and in disparities across facilities with four different concentrations of racial/ethnic minority residents. We found that the number of health care-related deficiencies and the percentage of facilities with serious deficiencies decreased over time for all four facility groups. From 2006 to 2011 the average annual number of health care-related deficiencies declined from 7.4 to 6.8 for facilities with low minority concentrations (<5 percent) and from 10.6 to 9.4 for facilities with high minority concentrations (≥35 percent). In multivariable analyses, across-site disparities in health care-related deficiencies and in life-safety deficiencies narrowed over time. We also found that increasing the Medicaid payment rate might help improve both overall quality and disparities, but state case-mix payment approaches might worsen both. These results suggest the need to reevaluate quality improvement and cost containment efforts to better foster the quality and equity of nursing home care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Yue Li is an associate professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of Rochester Medical Center, in New York
| | - Charlene Harrington
- Charlene Harrington is a professor of nursing at the University of California, San Francisco
| | - Helena Temkin-Greener
- Helena Temkin-Greener is a professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of Rochester Medical Center
| | - Kai You
- Kai You is a PhD candidate in public health sciences at the University of Rochester
| | - Xueya Cai
- Xueya Cai is a research assistant professor of biostatistics and computational biology at the University of Rochester
| | - Xi Cen
- Xi Cen is a PhD candidate in public health sciences at the University of Rochester
| | - Dana B Mukamel
- Dana B. Mukamel is a professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of California, Irvine
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Campbell LJ, Cai X, Gao S, Li Y. Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Nursing Home Quality of Life Deficiencies, 2001 to 2011. Gerontol Geriatr Med 2016; 2:2333721416653561. [PMID: 27819015 PMCID: PMC5066711 DOI: 10.1177/2333721416653561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Racial/ethnic disparities in nursing homes (NHs) are associated with lower quality of care, and state Medicaid payment policies may influence NH quality. However, no studies analyzing disparities in NH quality of life (QoL) exist. Therefore, this study aims to estimate associations at the NH level between average number of QoL deficiencies and concentrations of racial/ethnic minority residents, and to identify effects of state Medicaid payment policies on racial/ethnic disparities. Method: Multivariable Poisson regression with NH random effects was used to determine the association between NH minority concentration in 2000 to 2010 and average number of QoL deficiencies in 2001 to 2011 at the NH level, and the effect of state NH payment policies on QoL deficiencies and racial/ethnic disparities in QoL deficiencies across NH minority concentrations. Results: Racial/ethnic disparities in QoL between high and low minority concentration NHs decrease over time, but are not eliminated. Case mix payment was associated with an increased disparity between high and low minority concentration NHs in QoL deficiencies. Discussion: NH managers and policy makers should consider initiatives targeting minority residents or low-performing NHs with higher minority concentrations for improvement to reduce disparities and address QoL deficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xueya Cai
- University of Rochester Medical Center, NY, USA
| | - Shan Gao
- University of Rochester Medical Center, NY, USA
| | - Yue Li
- University of Rochester Medical Center, NY, USA
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Rahman M, Galarraga O, Zinn JS, Grabowski DC, Mor V. The Impact of Certificate-of-Need Laws on Nursing Home and Home Health Care Expenditures. Med Care Res Rev 2015. [PMID: 26223431 DOI: 10.1177/1077558715597161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, nursing homes and home health care agencies have been influenced by several Medicare and Medicaid policy changes including the adoption of prospective payment for Medicare-paid postacute care and Medicaid-paid long-term home and community-based care reforms. This article examines how spending growth in these sectors was affected by state certificate-of-need (CON) laws, which were designed to limit the growth of providers and have remained unchanged for several decades. Compared with states without CON laws, Medicare and Medicaid spending in states with CON laws grew faster for nursing home care and more slowly for home health care. In particular, we observed the slowest growth in community-based care in states with CON for both the nursing home and home health industries. Thus, controlling for other factors, public postacute and long-term care expenditures in CON states have become dominated by nursing homes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Vincent Mor
- Brown University, Providence, RI, USA Providence Veterans Administration Medical Center, Health Services Research Program, Providence, RI, USA
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Abstract
Older adults living in residential long-term care or nursing homes have increasingly complex needs, including more dementia than in the past, yet we know little about the unregulated workforce providing care. We surveyed 1,381 care aides in a representative sample of 30 urban nursing homes in the three Canadian Prairie provinces and report demographic, health and well-being, and work-related characteristics. Over 50 per cent of respondents were not born in Canada and did not speak English as their first language. They reported moderately high levels of burnout and a strong sense of their work's worth. Few respondents reported attending educational sessions. This direct caregiver workforce is poorly understood, has limited training or standards for minimum education, and training varies widely across provinces. Workplace characteristics affecting care aides reflect factors that precipitate burnout in allied health professions, with implications for quality of care, staff health, and staff retention.
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Rodriguez-Monguio R, Seoane-Vazquez E. Potentially inappropriate antipsychotic use in a nationally representative US nursing homes sample: a safety concern. JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/jphs.12074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Rodriguez-Monguio
- School of Public Health and Health Sciences; University of Massachusetts, Amherst; Amherst MA USA
| | - Enrique Seoane-Vazquez
- International Center for Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy; Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences; Boston MA USA
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Kim Y, Kim J. Impact of a financial incentive policy on Korean nurse staffing. Int Nurs Rev 2014; 62:171-9. [DOI: 10.1111/inr.12143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Y. Kim
- Department of Nursing; Eulji University; Seongnam Korea
| | - J. Kim
- Department of Nursing; Gachon University; Seongnam Korea
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Miller SC, Cohen N, Lima JC, Mor V. Medicaid capital reimbursement policy and environmental artifacts of nursing home culture change. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2014; 54 Suppl 1:S76-86. [PMID: 24443609 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnt141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY To examine how Medicaid capital reimbursement policy is associated with nursing homes (NHs) having high proportions of private rooms and small households. DESIGN AND METHODS Through a 2009/2010 NH national survey, we identified NHs having small households and high proportions of private rooms (≥76%). A survey of state Medicaid officials and policy document review provided 2009 policy data. Facility- and county-level covariates were from Online Survey, Certification and Reporting, the Area Resource File, and aggregated resident assessment data (minimum data set). The policy of interest was the presence of traditional versus fair rental capital reimbursement policy. Average Medicaid per diem rates and the presence of NH pay-for-performance (p4p) reimbursement were also examined. A total of 1,665 NHs in 40 states were included. Multivariate logistic regression analyses (with clustering on states) were used. RESULTS In multivariate models, Medicaid capital reimbursement policy was not significantly associated with either outcome. However, there was a significantly greater likelihood of NHs having many private rooms when states had higher Medicaid rates (per $10 increment; adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.13; 95% CI 1.049, 1.228), and in states with versus without p4p (AOR 1.78; 95% CI 1.045, 3.036). Also, in states with p4p NHs had a greater likelihood of having small households (AOR 1.78; 95% CI 1.045, 3.0636). IMPLICATIONS Higher NH Medicaid rates and reimbursement incentives may contribute to a higher presence of 2 important environmental artifacts of culture change-an abundance of private rooms and small households. However, longitudinal research examining policy change is needed to establish the cause and effect of the associations observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan C Miller
- *Address correspondence to Susan C. Miller, Department of Health Services, Policy & Practice and Center for Gerontology and Health Care Research, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Room 618, Providence, RI 02912. E-mail:
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Shield R, Rosenthal M, Wetle T, Tyler D, Clark M, Intrator O. Medical staff involvement in nursing homes: development of a conceptual model and research agenda. J Appl Gerontol 2014; 33:75-96. [PMID: 24652944 PMCID: PMC3962951 DOI: 10.1177/0733464812463432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Medical staff (physicians, nurse practitioners, physicians' assistants) involvement in nursing homes (NH) is limited by professional guidelines, government policies, regulations, and reimbursements, creating bureaucratic burden. The conceptual NH Medical Staff Involvement Model, based on our mixed-methods research, applies the Donabedian "structure-process-outcomes" framework to the NH, identifying measures for a coordinated research agenda. Quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews conducted with medical directors, administrators and directors of nursing, other experts, residents and family members and Minimum Data Set, the Online Certification and Reporting System and Medicare Part B claims data related to NH structure, process, and outcomes were analyzed. NH control of medical staff, or structure, affects medical staff involvement in care processes and is associated with better outcomes (e.g., symptom management, appropriate transitions, satisfaction). The model identifies measures clarifying the impact of NH medical staff involvement on care processes and resident outcomes and has strong potential to inform regulatory policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renée Shield
- Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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Hyer K, Thomas KS, Johnson CE, Harman JS, Weech-Maldonado R. Do Medicaid incentive payments boost quality? Florida's direct care staffing adjustment program. J Aging Soc Policy 2013; 25:65-82. [PMID: 23256559 DOI: 10.1080/08959420.2012.705629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Beginning in April 2000 and continuing for 21 months, Florida's legislature allocated $31.6 million (annualized) to nursing homes through a Medicaid direct care staffing adjustment. Florida's legislature paid the highest incentives to nursing homes with the lowest staffing levels and the greatest percentage of Medicaid residents--the bottom tier of quality. Using Donabedian's structure-process-outcomes framework, this study tracks changes in staffing, wages, process of care, and outcomes. The incentive payments increased staffing and wages in nursing home processes (decreased restraint use and feeding tubes) for the facilities receiving the largest amount of money but had no change on pressure sores or decline in activities of daily living. The group receiving the lowest incentives payment (those highest staffed at baseline) saw significant improvement in two quality measures: pressure sores and decline in activities of daily living. All providers receiving more resources improved on deficiency scores, suggesting more Medicaid spending improves quality of care regardless of total incentive payments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Hyer
- Florida Policy Exchange Center on Aging, School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the prevalence of obesity and its relationship with pressure ulcers among nursing home (NH) populations, and whether such relationship varies with certified nursing assistant (CNA) level in NHs. DATA AND STUDY POPULATION: The 1999-2009 nationwide Minimum Data Sets were linked with Online Survey of Certification and Reporting records. We identified newly admitted NH residents who became long-stayers and followed them up to 1 year. ANALYSES The outcome variable was presence of pressure ulcers during the 1-year follow-up period. Residents were categorized as normal [18.5 ≤ body mass index (BMI)<30 kg/m2], mild obesity (30 ≤ BMI <35 kg/m2), and moderate or severe obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2). Pooled and stratified analyses were performed to examine the relationship between obesity and pressure ulcers, and how it varied by facility CNA level. RESULTS The prevalence of obesity increased from 16.9% to 25.8% among newly admitted NH residents over the last decade. Obesity was associated with higher risks of pressure ulcers among long-stay residents. The relationship between obesity and pressure ulcers persisted after accounting for individual health conditions at the baseline and facility-level variations. Further, the within-facility relationship between obesity and pressure ulcers varied by facility CNA levels. The odds of pressure ulcers were 18.9% higher for residents with moderate or severe obesity than for nonobese residents within NHs with low CNA levels. The percents for medium and high CNA level facilities were 14.0% and 12.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION To prepare for the growing obesity epidemic in NHs, policies should focus on strategies to improve care provided for obese residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubing Cai
- Center for Gerontology and Health Care Research, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA.
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Miller SC, Looze J, Shield R, Clark MA, Lepore M, Tyler D, Sterns S, Mor V. Culture change practice in U.S. Nursing homes: prevalence and variation by state medicaid reimbursement policies. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2013; 54:434-45. [PMID: 23514674 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnt020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY To estimate the prevalence of culture change practice in U.S. nursing homes (NHs) and examine how state Medicaid policies may be associated with this prevalence. DESIGN AND METHODS In 2009/2010, we conducted a survey of a stratified proportionate random sample of NH directors of nursing (DONs) and administrators (NHAs) at 4,149 U.S. NHs; contact was achieved with 3,695. Cooperation rates were 62.6% for NHAs and 61.5% for DONs. Questions focused on NH (physical) environment, resident-centered care, and staff empowerment domains. Domain scores were created and validated, in part, using qualitative interviews from 64 NHAs. Other NH covariate data were from Medicare/Medicaid surveys (Online Survey, Certification and Reporting), aggregated resident assessments (Minimum Data Set), and Medicare claims. Medicaid policies studied were a state's average NH reimbursement rate and pay-for-performance (P4P) reimbursement (including and not including culture change performance measures). Multivariate generalized ordered logit regressions were used. RESULTS Eighty-five percent of DONs reported some culture change implementation. Controlling for NH attributes, a $10 higher Medicaid rate was associated with higher NH environment scores. Compared with NHs in non-P4P states, NHs in states with P4P including culture change performance measures had twice the likelihood of superior culture change scores across all domains, and NHs in other P4P states had superior physical environment and staff empowerment scores. Qualitative interviews supported the validity of survey results. IMPLICATIONS Changes in Medicaid reimbursement policies may be a promising strategy for increasing culture change practice implementation. Future research examining NH culture change practice implementation pre-post P4P policy changes is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan C Miller
- *Address correspondence to Susan C. Miller, Center for Gerontology & Health Care Research, Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 121 South Main Street, G-S121-6, Providence, RI 02912. E-mail:
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Bowblis JR, Hyer K. Nursing home staffing requirements and input substitution: effects on housekeeping, food service, and activities staff. Health Serv Res 2013; 48:1539-50. [PMID: 23445455 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.12046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the effect of minimum nurse staffing requirements on the subsequent employment of nursing home support staff. DATA SOURCES Nursing home data from the Online Survey Certification and Reporting (OSCAR) System merged with state nurse staffing requirements. STUDY DESIGN Facility-level housekeeping, food service, and activities staff levels are regressed on nurse staffing requirements and other controls using fixed effect panel regression. DATA EXTRACTION METHOD OSCAR surveys from 1999 to 2004. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Increases in state direct care and licensed nurse staffing requirements are associated with decreases in the staffing levels of all types of support staff. CONCLUSIONS Increased nursing home nurse staffing requirements lead to input substitution in the form of reduced support staffing levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Bowblis
- Department of Economics, Farmer School of Business, Miami University, E. High Street, Oxford, OH 45056, USA.
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McDonald SM, Wagner LM, Castle NG. Staffing-Related Deficiency Citations in Nursing Homes. J Aging Soc Policy 2013; 25:83-97. [DOI: 10.1080/08959420.2012.705696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Policy initiatives at the Federal and state level are aimed at increasing staffing in nursing homes. These include direct staffing standards, public reporting, and financial incentives. OBJECTIVE To examine the impact of California's Medicaid reimbursement for nursing homes which includes incentives directed at staffing. RESEARCH DESIGN Two-stage limited-information maximum-likelihood regressions were used to model the relationship between staffing [registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants hours per resident day] and the Medicaid payment rate, accounting for the specific structure of the payment system, endogeneity of payment and case-mix, and controlling for facility and market characteristics. SAMPLE A total of 927 California free-standing nursing homes in 2006. MEASURES The model included facility characteristics (case-mix, size, ownership, and chain affiliation), market competition and excess demand, labor supply and wages, unemployment, and female employment. The instrumental variable for Medicaid reimbursement was the peer group payment rate for 7 geographical market areas, and the instrumental variables for resident case-mix were the average county revenues for professional therapy establishments and the percent of county population aged 65 and over. RESULTS Consistent with the rate incentives and rational expectation behavior, expected nursing home reimbursement rates in 2008 were associated with increased RN staffing levels in 2006 but had no relationship with licensed practical nurse and certified nursing assistant staffing. The effect was estimated at 2 minutes per $10 increase in rate. CONCLUSIONS The incentives in the Medicaid system impacted only RN staffing suggesting the need to improve the state's rate setting methodology.
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Miller EA, Rudder C. Engaging Consumers in Medicaid Nursing Home Reimbursement Policy: Lessons From New York and Minnesota. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2012; 53:627-40. [DOI: 10.1093/geront/gns141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Mukamel DB, Weimer DL, Harrington C, Spector WD, Ladd H, Li Y. The effect of state regulatory stringency on nursing home quality. Health Serv Res 2012; 47:1791-813. [PMID: 22946859 DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-6773.2012.01459.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that more stringent quality regulations contribute to better quality nursing home care and to assess their cost-effectiveness. DATA SOURCES/SETTING Primary and secondary data from all states and U.S. nursing homes between 2005 and 2006. STUDY DESIGN We estimated seven models, regressing quality measures on the Harrington Regulation Stringency Index and control variables. To account for endogeneity between regulation and quality, we used instrumental variables techniques. Quality was measured by staffing hours by type per case-mix adjusted day, hotel expenditures, and risk-adjusted decline in activities of daily living, high-risk pressure sores, and urinary incontinence. DATA COLLECTION All states' licensing and certification offices were surveyed to obtain data about deficiencies. Secondary data included the Minimum Data Set, Medicare Cost Reports, and the Economic Freedom Index. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Regulatory stringency was significantly associated with better quality for four of the seven measures studied. The cost-effectiveness for the activities-of-daily-living measure was estimated at about 72,000 in 2011/ Quality Adjusted Life Year. CONCLUSIONS Quality regulations lead to better quality in nursing homes along some dimensions, but not all. Our estimates of cost-effectiveness suggest that increased regulatory stringency is in the ballpark of other acceptable cost-effective practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana B Mukamel
- Health Policy Research Institute, University of California, Irvine, 100 Academy, Suite 110, Irvine, CA 92697-5800, USA.
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Interaction effect of Medicaid census and nursing home characteristics on quality of psychosocial care for residents. Health Care Manage Rev 2012; 36:47-57. [PMID: 21157230 DOI: 10.1097/hmr.0b013e3181f8a864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous studies have identified disparities in nursing home quality of care. Although previous studies have found the overlap among Medicaid census, nursing home characteristics, and negative quality of care outcomes, few studies have examined how the psychosocial well-being of nursing home residents is associated with Medicaid census and other nursing home characteristics. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to elucidate the intertwined relationships between Medicaid census and other important nursing home factors and its impact on psychosocial care for residents. This study examined the interactive effects of (1) nursing home ownership status and Medicaid census, (2) staffing level and Medicaid census, and (3) resident ethnic mix and Medicaid census on psychosocial well-being outcomes. METHODOLOGY The sample, derived from a combined data set of New York State nursing homes' Online Survey Certification and Reporting System and Minimum Data Set, included 565 nursing homes in rural and urban areas of the state. FINDINGS Medicaid census had no main effect on psychosocial well-being outcomes of nursing home care but had a significant interactive effect with other nursing home characteristics. High Medicaid census was associated with lower level of psychosocial symptom detection in nonprofit nursing homes and nursing homes with a higher proportion of ethnic minority residents. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Nursing staff training on better psychosocial well-being care, in particular, better psychosocial assessment, is important. To obtain the training resources, nursing homes with high Medicaid census can collaborate with other nursing homes or social service agencies. Considering that nursing homes with a high proportion of ethnic minority residents have lower level of detection rate for psychosocial well-being issues, culturally competent care should be a component of quality improvement plans.
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Choi J, Flynn L, Aiken LH. Nursing practice environment and registered nurses' job satisfaction in nursing homes. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2012; 52:484-92. [PMID: 21908803 PMCID: PMC3409799 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnr101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2011] [Accepted: 08/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Recruiting and retaining registered nurses (RNs) in nursing homes is problematic, and little research is available to guide efforts to make nursing homes a more attractive practice environment for RNs. The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between aspects of the nursing practice environment and job satisfaction among RNs in nursing homes. DESIGN AND METHODS The sample included 863 RNs working as staff RNs in 282 skilled nursing facilities in New Jersey. Two-level hierarchical linear modeling was used to account for the RNs nested by nursing homes. RESULTS Controlling for individual and nursing home characteristics, staff RNs' participation in facility affairs, supportive manager, and resource adequacy were positively associated with RNs' job satisfaction. Ownership status was significantly related to job satisfaction; RNs working in for-profit nursing homes were less satisfied. IMPLICATIONS A supportive practice environment is significantly associated with higher job satisfaction among RNs working in nursing homes. Unlike other nursing home characteristics, specific dimensions of the nursing practice environment can be modified through administrative actions to enhance RN job satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- JiSun Choi
- National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators, School of Nursing, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA.
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Miller EA, Wang L, Feng Z, Mor V. Improving direct-care compensation in nursing homes: Medicaid wage pass-through adoption, 1999-2004. JOURNAL OF HEALTH POLITICS, POLICY AND LAW 2012; 37:469-512. [PMID: 22323236 PMCID: PMC3771661 DOI: 10.1215/03616878-1573094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Because states play such a prominent role in the U.S. health care system, they have long grappled with how to best control health care costs while maintaining high quality of care. There are many policy tools available to address efficiency and quality concerns--from pure state regulation to market-oriented competition designs. Given public discourse and official party platforms, one would assume that states controlled by Democrats would be more likely to adopt regulatory reforms. This study examines whether party control, as well as other economic and political factors, is associated with adopting wage pass-through (WPT) policies, which direct a portion of Medicaid reimbursement or its increase toward nursing home staff in an effort to reduce staff turnover, thereby increasing efficiency and the quality of care provided. Contrary to expectations, results indicate that states with Republican governors were against WPT adoption only when for-profit industry pressure increased; otherwise, they were more likely to favor adoption than their Democratic counterparts. This suggests a more complex relationship between partisanship and state-level policy adoption than is typically assumed. Results also indicate that state officials reacted predictably to prevailing political and economic conditions affecting state fiscal-year decisions but required sufficient governing capacity to successfully integrate WPTs into existing reimbursement system arrangements. This suggests that WPTs represent a hybrid between comprehensive and incremental policy change.
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Profiling the Multidimensional Needs of New Nursing Home Residents: Evidence to Support Planning. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2012; 13:487.e9-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2012.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2011] [Revised: 01/13/2012] [Accepted: 02/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Walsh EG, Wiener JM, Haber S, Bragg A, Freiman M, Ouslander JG. Potentially avoidable hospitalizations of dually eligible Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries from nursing facility and Home- and Community-Based Services waiver programs. J Am Geriatr Soc 2012; 60:821-9. [PMID: 22458363 DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2012.03920.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Beneficiaries dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid are of increasing interest because of their clinical complexity and high costs. The objective of this study was to examine the incidence, costs, and factors associated with potentially avoidable hospitalizations (PAH) in this population. DESIGN Retrospective study of hospitalizations. SETTING Hospitalizations from nursing facilities (NF) including Medicare and Medicaid-covered stays, and Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs. PARTICIPANTS Dually eligible individuals who received Medicare skilled nursing facility (SNF) or Medicaid NF services or HCBS waiver services in 2005. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS Potentially avoidable hospitalizations were defined by an expert panel that identified conditions and associated Diagnostic Related Groups (DRGs) which can often be prevented or safely and effectively managed without hospitalization. RESULTS More than one-third of the population was hospitalized at least once, totaling almost 1 million hospitalizations. The admitting DRG for 382,846 (39%) admissions were identified as PAH. PAH rates varied considerably among states, and blacks had a higher rate and costs for PAH than whites. Five conditions (pneumonia, congestive heart failure, urinary tract infections, dehydration, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/asthma) were responsible for 78% of the PAH. The total Medicare costs for these hospitalizations were $3 billion, but only $463 million for Medicaid. A sensitivity analysis, assuming that 20%-60% of these hospitalizations could be prevented, revealed that between 77,000 and 260,000 hospitalizations and between $625 million and $1.9 billion in expenditures could be avoided annually in this population. CONCLUSION Potentially avoidable hospitalizations are common and costly in the dually eligible population. New initiatives are needed to reduce PAH in this population as they are costly and can adversely affect function and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith G Walsh
- Department of Aging, Disability and Long Term Care, RTI International, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
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Sengupta M, Decker SL, Harris-Kojetin L, Jones A. Racial differences in dementia care among nursing home residents. J Aging Health 2012; 24:711-31. [PMID: 22422757 DOI: 10.1177/0898264311432311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This article aims to describe potential racial differences in dementia care among nursing home residents with dementia. METHODS Using data from the 2004 National Nursing Home Survey (NNHS) in regression models, the authors examine whether non-Whites are less likely than Whites to receive special dementia care--defined as receiving special dementia care services or being in a dementia special care unit (SCU)--and whether this difference derives from differences in resident or facility characteristics. RESULTS The authors find that non-Whites are 4.3 percentage points less likely than Whites to receive special dementia care. DISCUSSION The fact that non-Whites are more likely to rely on Medicaid and less likely to pay out of pocket for nursing home care explains part but not all of the difference. Most of the difference is due to the fact that non-Whites reside in facilities that are less likely to have special dementia care services or dementia care units, particularly for-profit facilities and those in the South.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Sengupta
- Long-Term Care Statistics Branch, Division of Health Care Statistics, National Center for Health Statistics, Hyattsville, MD 20782, USA.
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37
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Heponiemi T, Elovainio M, Kouvonen A, Kuusio H, Noro A, Finne-Soveri H, Sinervo T. The effects of ownership, staffing level and organisational justice on nurse commitment, involvement, and satisfaction: A questionnaire study. Int J Nurs Stud 2011; 48:1551-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2011.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2010] [Revised: 05/30/2011] [Accepted: 05/31/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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The effect of Medicaid nursing home reimbursement policy on Medicare hospice use in nursing homes. Med Care 2011; 49:797-802. [PMID: 21862905 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0b013e318223c0ae] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand how changes in Medicaid nursing home (NH) reimbursement policy and rates affect a NH's approach to end-of-life care (ie, its use of hospice). METHODS This longitudinal study merged US NH decedents' (1999 to 2004) resident assessment data (MDS) with Part A claims data to determine the proportion of a NH's decedents using hospice. Freestanding NHs across the 48 contiguous US states were included. A NH-level analytic file was merged with NH survey (ie, OSCAR) and area resource file data, and with annual data on state Medicaid NH rates, case-mix reimbursement policies, and hospice certificate of need (CON). NH fixed-effect (within) regression analysis examined the effect of changing state policies, controlling for differing time trends in CON and case-mix states and for facility-level and county-level attributes. Models were stratified by urban/rural status. RESULTS A $10 increase in the Medicaid rate resulted in a 0.41% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.275, 0.553] increase in hospice use in urban NHs and a 0.37% decrease (95% CI: -0.676, -0.063) in rural NHs not adjacent to urban areas. There was a nonstatistically significant increase in rural NHs adjacent to urban areas. Introduction of case-mix reimbursement resulted in a 2.14% (95% CI: 1.388, 2.896) increase in hospice use in urban NHs, with comparable increases in rural NHs. CONCLUSIONS This study supports and extends previous research by showing changes in Medicaid NH reimbursement policies affect a NH's approach to end-of-life care. It also shows how policy changes can have differing effects depending on a NH's urban/rural status.
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Harrington C, Olney B, Carrillo H, Kang T. Nurse staffing and deficiencies in the largest for-profit nursing home chains and chains owned by private equity companies. Health Serv Res 2011; 47:106-28. [PMID: 22091627 DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-6773.2011.01311.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare staffing levels and deficiencies of the 10 largest U.S. for-profit nursing home chains with five other ownership groups and chain staffing and deficiencies before and after purchase by four private equity (PE) companies. DATA SOURCES Facilities for the largest for-profit chains were identified through Internet searches and company reports and matched with federal secondary data for 2003-2008 for each ownership group. STUDY DESIGN Descriptive statistics and generalized estimation equation panel regression models examined staffing and deficiencies by ownership groups in the 2003-2008 period, controlling for facility characteristics, resident acuity, and market factors with state fixed effects. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The top 10 for-profit chains had lower registered nurse and total nurse staffing hours than government facilities, controlling for other factors. The top 10 chains received 36 percent higher deficiencies and 41 percent higher serious deficiencies than government facilities. Other for-profit facilities also had lower staffing and higher deficiencies than government facilities. The chains purchased by PE companies showed little change in staffing levels, but the number of deficiencies and serious deficiencies increased in some postpurchase years compared with the prepurchase period. CONCLUSIONS There is a need for greater study of large for-profit chains as well as those chains purchased by PE companies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene Harrington
- Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA.
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Heponiemi T, Elovainio M, Kouvonen A, Noro A, Finne-Soveri H, Sinervo T. Ownership type and team climate in elderly care facilities: the moderating effect of stress factors. J Adv Nurs 2011; 68:647-57. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2011.05777.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Mor V, Gruneir A, Feng Z, Grabowski DC, Intrator O, Zinn J. The effect of state policies on nursing home resident outcomes. J Am Geriatr Soc 2011; 59:3-9. [PMID: 21198463 DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2010.03230.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To test the effect of changes in Medicaid reimbursement on clinical outcomes of long-stay nursing home (NH) residents. DESIGN Longitudinal, retrospective study of NHs, merging aggregated resident-level quality measures with facility characteristics and state policy survey data. SETTING All free-standing NHs in urban counties with at least 20 long-stay residents per quarter (length of stay > 90 days) in the continental United States between 1999 and 2005. PARTICIPANTS Long-stay NH residents INTERVENTIONS Annual state Medicaid average per diem reimbursement and the presence of case-mix reimbursement in each year. MEASUREMENTS Quarterly facility-aggregated, risk-adjusted quality-of-care measures surpassing a threshold for functional (activity of daily living) decline, physical restraint use, pressure ulcer incidence or worsening, and persistent pain. RESULTS All outcomes showed an improvement trend over the study period, particularly physical restraint use. Facility fixed-effect regressions revealed that a $10 increase in Medicaid payment increased the likelihood of a NH meeting quality thresholds by 9% for functional decline, 5% for pain control, and 2% for pressure ulcers but not reduced use of physical restraints. Facilities in states that increased Medicaid payment most showed the greatest improvement in outcomes. The introduction of case-mix reimbursement was unrelated to quality improvement. CONCLUSION Improvements in the clinical quality of NH care have been achieved, particularly where Medicaid payment has increased, generally from a lower baseline. Although this is a positive finding, challenges to implementing efficient reimbursement policies remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Mor
- Center for Gerontology and Health Care Research and Department of Community Health, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
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Pradhan R, Weech-Maldonado R. Exploring the relationship between private equity ownership and nursing home performance: a review. Adv Health Care Manag 2011; 11:63-89. [PMID: 22908666 DOI: 10.1108/s1474-8231(2011)0000011007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Private equity has acquired multiple large nursing home chains within the past few years; by 2007, it owned 6 of the 10 largest chains. Despite widespread public and policy interest, evidence on the purported impact of private equity on nursing home performance is limited. In our review, we begin by briefly reviewing the organizational and environmental changes in the nursing home industry that facilitated private equity investments. We offer a conceptual framework to hypothesize the relationship between private equity ownership and nursing home performance. Finally, we offer a research agenda focused on the important parameters of nursing home performance: financial performance, and quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Pradhan
- Department of Health Services Administration, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA
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Furukawa MF, Raghu T, Shao BBM. Electronic Medical Records, Nurse Staffing, and Nurse-Sensitive Patient Outcomes: Evidence From the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators. Med Care Res Rev 2010; 68:311-31. [DOI: 10.1177/1077558710384877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Electronic medical records (EMR) have the potential to improve nursing care in the hospital setting. This study estimated the association of EMR implementation with nurse staffing levels, skill mix, contract/agency percent, and nurse-sensitive patient outcomes in U.S. hospitals. Data on nurse staffing and patient outcomes came from the 2004-2008 National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators. Data on EMR implementation came from the 2004-2008 HIMSS Analytics Database. The authors conducted a longitudinal analysis of an unbalanced panel of 3,048 medical/surgical units in 509 short-term, general acute care hospitals. EMR implementation was associated with lower total nurse hours per patient day, higher Registered Nurse percent and contract/agency percent, and higher adverse patient events in the short term. EMR may create a skill bias toward higher-skilled nurses. As more advanced EMR systems diffuse into practice, managers and policy makers should consider potential negative associations of EMR implementation with patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - T.S. Raghu
- Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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Towsley GL, Beck SL, Dudley WN, Pepper GA. Staffing levels in rural nursing homes: a mixed methods approach. Res Gerontol Nurs 2010; 4:207-20. [PMID: 20873694 DOI: 10.3928/19404921-20100831-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2009] [Accepted: 04/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This mixed methods study used multiple regression analyses to examine the impact of organizational and market characteristics on staffing hours and staffing mix, and qualitative interview to explore the challenges and facilitators of recruiting and retaining qualified staff. Rural nursing homes (NHs) certified by Medicare or Medicaid (N = 161) were sampled from the Online Survey Certification and Reporting system. A subsample (n = 23) was selected purposively for the qualitative analysis. Smaller NHs or government-affiliated homes had more total nursing hours per resident day and more hours of care by certified nursing assistants and RNs than larger and nongovernment-affiliated homes; however, almost 87% of NHs in this study were below the national recommendation for RN hours. Informants voiced challenges related to enough staff, qualified staff, and training staff. Development of nursing resources is critical, especially in rural locales where aging resources may not be well developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gail L Towsley
- University of Utah College of Nursing, 10 South, 2000 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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45
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Feng Z, Lee YS, Kuo S, Intrator O, Foster A, Mor V. Do Medicaid wage pass-through payments increase nursing home staffing? Health Serv Res 2010; 45:728-47. [PMID: 20403054 DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-6773.2010.01109.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of state Medicaid wage pass-through policy on direct-care staffing levels in U.S. nursing homes. DATA SOURCES Online Survey Certification and Reporting (OSCAR) data, and state Medicaid nursing home reimbursement policies over the period 1996-2004. STUDY DESIGN A fixed-effects panel model with two-step feasible-generalized least squares estimates is used to examine the effect of pass-through adoption on direct-care staff hours per resident day (HPRD) in nursing homes. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS A panel data file tracking annual OSCAR surveys per facility over the study period is linked with annual information on state Medicaid wage pass-through and related policies. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Among the states introducing wage pass-through over the study period, the policy is associated with between 3.0 and 4.0 percent net increases in certified nurse aide (CNA) HPRD in the years following adoption. No discernable pass-through effect is observed on either registered nurse or licensed practical nurse HPRD. CONCLUSIONS State Medicaid wage pass-through programs offer a potentially effective policy tool to boost direct-care CNA staffing in nursing homes, at least in the short term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanlian Feng
- Center for Gerontology and Health Care Research, Brown University, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI 02912, USA.
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46
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Gargett S. Public policy and the dependency of nursing home residents in Australia: 1968-69 to 2006-07. Health Policy 2010; 96:143-53. [PMID: 20138684 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2009.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2009] [Revised: 12/11/2009] [Accepted: 12/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this paper is to derive annual estimates of the aggregate dependency of the nursing home population in Australia, and to use these data to consider the impact of Government policies to target nursing home services to those with high care-needs/dependency. Two related tools, the 'Aggregate Dependency Value' and 'Aggregate Dependency Index', have been constructed using the principles of case-mixed based systems, to quantify the aggregate dependency of residents. Data on all residents 1968-1969 to 2006-2007, and on newly admitted residents 1992-1993 to 2006-2007 have been derived and analysed. METHODS To construct the tools, the percent of residents classified into various dependency categories were weighted by proxy measures of their dependency. These were summed, and converted into index numbers to estimate rates of change in the aggregate dependency of residents. The derived data were used to consider possible impacts of the policies. RESULTS The data indicate that the dependency of residents has, for the most part, increased over recent decades but that the rate of the increase has varied. An increase in the dependency of residents corresponds with the policies' objectives. CONCLUSIONS The tools extend the ways the dependency of nursing home residents in Australia can be assessed. The estimates support the effectiveness of the Government's targeting policies but causal relationships have not been estimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Gargett
- Centre of National Research on Disability and Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine, Mayne Medical School, The University of Queensland, Herston Road, Herston, Brisbane, Qld 4006, Australia.
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Collier E, Harrington C. Staffing characteristics, turnover rates, and quality of resident care in nursing facilities. Res Gerontol Nurs 2010; 1:157-70. [PMID: 20077960 DOI: 10.3928/19404921-20080701-02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Despite substantial spending and considerable regulatory oversight, the quality of care provided to residents in the nation's nursing facilities is inadequate, and strategies to address this problem are needed. Staffing characteristics are important predictors of quality in nursing facilities, and the relationship between staffing and various quality measures fluctuates across studies and in analyses that account for the effects of market, resident, and organizational characteristics. However and even with such variations, it is has generally been concluded that higher staffing levels, less turnover, and higher retention rates are associated with an array of improved resident and facility outcomes. This article synthesizes literature, including published reports, expert opinion, and peer reviewed studies, on staffing levels, turnover, and quality of care in nursing homes. The findings were used to develop three staffing interventions that need to be further evaluated in an effort to improve the quality of care in nursing facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Collier
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Nursing, University of California-San Francisco, 3333 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA.
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48
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Thomas KS, Hyer K, Andel R, Weech-Maldonado R. The Unintended Consequences of Staffing Mandates in Florida Nursing Homes: Impacts on Indirect-Care Staff. Med Care Res Rev 2009; 67:555-73. [DOI: 10.1177/1077558709353325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Research on nursing staff ratios and quality of care in nursing homes prompted Florida to implement minimum nursing staff ratios for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in 2001. Using the contingency theory, the authors investigated the response to this mandate and its potential effects on indirect-care staff. This study used the Online Survey, Certification, and Reporting (OSCAR) staffing data for freestanding Florida nursing homes between the years 1999 and 2004. Piecewise regression growth curve models were investigated to test whether the percentage of Medicaid residents is associated with change in indirect-care staffing levels. The number of indirect-care staff hours per 100 residents declined significantly following the mandated increase in nursing staff, particularly among facilities with a low percentage of Medicaid residents. This may have stemmed from a partial transfer of indirect-care to CNAs and was exacerbated in facilities that received less additional reimbursement to pay for CNA increases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ross Andel
- University of South Florida Tampa, FL, USA
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Seblega BK, Zhang NJ, Unruh LY, Breen GM, Seung Chun Paek, Wan TTH. Changes in nursing home staffing levels, 1997 to 2007. Med Care Res Rev 2009; 67:232-46. [PMID: 19671917 DOI: 10.1177/1077558709342253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A positive relationship has been demonstrated between the quality of care delivered in nursing homes and the quality of nursing staff providing the care. The general perception, however, is that there is a decline in registered nurses' staff hours in nursing homes. The primary objective of this study is to investigate whether the levels of registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and nursing assistants (NAs) as well as skill mix has changed in nursing homes between the years 1997 and 2007. A descriptive research design was employed on data derived from Online Survey Certification and Reporting System database. After accounting for facility size and ownership, it was found that more nursing homes have increased-rather than decreased-LPN and NA hours per resident day between 1997 and 2007. On the other hand, more nursing homes have decreased-rather than increased-RN hours per resident day and skill mix during the same time period.
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50
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Grabowski DC, Aschbrenner KA, Feng Z, Mor V. Mental illness in nursing homes: variations across States. Health Aff (Millwood) 2009; 28:689-700. [PMID: 19414877 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.28.3.689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Placing people with mental illnesses in nursing homes is an important policy concern. Using nursing home Minimum Data Set assessments from 2005, we found much variation across states in both the rates of mental illness among nursing home admissions and the estimated rates of admission among people with mental illnesses. We also found that newly admitted people with mental illnesses were younger and more likely to become long-stay residents than those admitted with other conditions. Taken together, these results suggest that state-level mental health and nursing home factors may influence the likelihood of long-term nursing home use for people with mental illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Grabowski
- Health Care Policy, at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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