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Cummings GG, Tate K, Spiers J, El‐Bialy R, McLane P, Park CS, Penconek T, Cummings G, Robinson CA, Reid RC, Estabrooks CA, Rowe BH, Anderson C. The development and validation of a conceptual definition of avoidable transitions from long-term care to the emergency department: A mixed methods study. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e2204. [PMID: 38974331 PMCID: PMC11224026 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.2204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives Transitions to and from Emergency Departments (EDs) can be detrimental to long-term care (LTC) residents and burden the healthcare system. While reducing avoidable transfers is imperative, various terms are used interchangeably including inappropriate, preventable, or unnecessary transitions. Our study objectives were to develop a conceptual definition of avoidable LTC-ED transitions and to verify the level of stakeholder agreement with this definition. Methods The EXamining Aged Care Transitions study adopted an exploratory sequential mixed-method design. The study was conducted in 2015-2016 in 16 LTC facilities, 1 ED, and 1 Emergency Medical Service (EMS) in a major urban center in western Canada. Phase 1 included 80 participants, (healthcare aides, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, LTC managers, family members of residents, and EMS staff). We conducted semistructured interviews (n = 25) and focus groups (n = 19). In Phase 2, 327 ED staff, EMS staff, LTC staff, and medical directors responded to a survey based on the qualitative findings. Results Avoidable transitions were attributed to limited resources in LTC, insufficient preventive care, and resident or family wishes. The definition generated was: A transition of an LTC resident to the ED is considered avoidable if: (a) Diagnostic testing, medical assessment, and treatment can be accessed in a timely manner by other means; (b) the reasons for a transfer are unclear and the transition would increase the disorientation, pain, or discomfort of a resident, outweighing a clear benefit of a transfer; and (c) the transition is against the wishes expressed by the resident over time, including through informal and undocumented conversations. There was a high level of agreement with the definition across the four participant groups. Conclusions and Implications To effectively reduce LTC resident avoidable transitions, stakeholders must share a common definition. Our conceptual definition may significantly contribute to improved care for LTC residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta G. Cummings
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health SciencesUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Kaitlyn Tate
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health SciencesUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Jude Spiers
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health SciencesUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Rowan El‐Bialy
- Schulich School of BusinessYork UniversityTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Patrick McLane
- Emergency Strategic Clinical NetworkAlberta Health Services (AHS)EdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Claire Su‐Yeon Park
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health SciencesUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Tatiana Penconek
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health SciencesUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Garnet Cummings
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health SciencesUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Carole A. Robinson
- School of NursingUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Robert Colin Reid
- School of Health and Exercise SciencesUniversity of British Columbia—Okanagan CampusKelownaBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Carole A. Estabrooks
- Faculty of Nursing, College of Health SciencesUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Brian H. Rowe
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and DentistryUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
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Tate K, Cummings G, Jacobsen F, Halas G, Van den Bergh G, Devkota R, Shrestha S, Doupe M. Strategies to Improve Emergency Transitions From Long-Term Care Facilities: A Scoping Review. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2024; 64:gnae036. [PMID: 38661440 PMCID: PMC11184529 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnae036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Older adults residing in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) often experience substandard transitions to emergency departments (EDs) through rationed and delayed ED care. We aimed to identify research describing interventions to improve transitions from RACFs to EDs. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In our scoping review, we included English language articles that (a) examined an intervention to improve transitions from RACF to EDs; and (b) focused on older adults (≥65 years). We employed content analysis. Dy et al.'s Care Transitions Framework was used to assess the contextualization of interventions and measurement of implementation success. RESULTS Interventions in 28 studies included geriatric assessment or outreach services (n = 7), standardized documentation forms (n = 6), models of care to improve transitions from RACFs to EDs (n = 6), telehealth services (n = 3), nurse-led care coordination programs (n = 2), acute-care geriatric departments (n = 2), an extended paramedicine program (n = 1), and a web-based referral system (n = 1). Many studies (n = 17) did not define what "improvement" entailed and instead assessed documentation strategies and distal outcomes (e.g., hospital admission rates, length of stay). Few authors reported how they contextualized interventions to align with care environments and/or evaluated implementation success. Few studies included clinician perspectives and no study examined resident- or family/friend caregiver-reported outcomes. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Mixed or nonsignificant results prevent us from recommending (or discouraging) any interventions. Given the complexity of these transitions and the need to create sustainable improvement strategies, future research should describe strategies used to embed innovations in care contexts and to measure both implementation and intervention success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn Tate
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Greta Cummings
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Frode Jacobsen
- Centre for Care Research, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Vestland, Norway
| | - Gayle Halas
- School of Dental Hygiene, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Graziella Van den Bergh
- Department of Health and Functioning, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Vestland, Norway
| | - Rashmi Devkota
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shovana Shrestha
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Malcolm Doupe
- Rady Faculty Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Carbone S, Berta W, Law S, Kuluski K. Long-term care transitions during a global pandemic: Planning and decision-making of residents, care partners, and health professionals in Ontario, Canada. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0295865. [PMID: 38100397 PMCID: PMC10723734 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have shifted the care trajectories of many residents and care partners in Ontario who considered leaving LTC to live in the community for a portion or the duration of the pandemic. This type of care transition-from LTC to home care-was highly uncommon prior to the pandemic, therefore we know relatively little about the planning and decision-making involved. The aim of this study was to describe who was involved in LTC to home care transitions in Ontario during the COVID-19 pandemic, to what extent, and the factors that guided their decision-making. A qualitative description study involving semi-structured interviews with 32 residents, care partners and health professionals was conducted. Transition decisions were largely made by care partners, with varied input from residents or health professionals. Stakeholders considered seven factors, previously identified in a scoping review, when making their transition decisions: (a) institutional priorities and requirements; (b) resources; (c) knowledge; (d) risk; (e) group structure and dynamic; (f) health and support needs; and (g) personality preferences and beliefs. Participants' emotional responses to the pandemic also influenced the perceived need to pursue a care transition. The findings of this research provide insights towards the planning required to support LTC to home care transitions, and the many challenges that arise during decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Carbone
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Whitney Berta
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susan Law
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kerry Kuluski
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
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Tate K, Palfreyman S, Reid RC, McLane P, Cummings GG. Incidence of Pressure Injury Among Older Adults Transitioning from Long-term Care to the ED. Adv Skin Wound Care 2023; 36:651-657. [PMID: 37983578 DOI: 10.1097/asw.0000000000000069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify sociodemographic, health condition, and organizational/process factors associated with pressure injury (PI) incidence during older adults' emergency transitions from long-term care (LTC) to the ED. METHODS Emergency transitions were tracked for older adults within included LTC facilities to participating EDs in two urban centers located in provinces in Canada. Binary logistic regression was used to examine the influence of sociodemographic, service use, and client health and function factors on the incidence of PIs during transitions from LTC facilities to EDs. RESULTS Having a mobility issue (odds ratio [OR], 4.318; 95% CI, 1.344-13.870), transitioning from a publicly owned versus a nonprofit volunteer LTC facility (OR, 4.886; 95% CI, 1.157-20.634), and time from ED arrival to return to LTC being 7 to 9 days (OR, 41.327; 95% CI, 2.691-634.574) or greater than 9 days (OR, 77.639; 95% CI, 5.727-1,052.485) significantly increased the odds of experiencing a new skin injury upon return to LTC. A higher number of reported reasons for emergency transition (up to 4) significantly decreased the odds of a new PI upon return to LTC (OR, 0.315; 95% CI, 0.113-0.880). CONCLUSIONS The study findings can be used to identify LTC residents at increased risk for developing new skin injuries during an emergency transition, namely, those with mobility impairment, those requiring inpatient care for 6 or more days, and those transitioning from publicly owned LTC facilities. Evaluating the uptake and effectiveness of single-pronged and multipronged interventions such as visual cues for patient turning through online monitoring, consistent risk assessments, and improved nutrition in all care settings are vital next steps in preventing skin injuries in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn Tate
- At the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Kaitlyn Tate, PhD, RN, is Assistant Professor, Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, and Simon Palfreyman, PhD, RN, is Associate Teaching Professor. R. Colin Reid, PhD is Assistant Professor, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia-Okanagan campus, Kelowna. Patrick McLane, PhD, is Assistant Scientific Director, Emergency Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton. Also at University of Alberta, Greta G. Cummings, PhD, RN, FAAN, FCAHS, FCAN, is Dean and Professor, Faculty of Nursing, College of Health Sciences. Acknowledgment: The authors acknowledge the OPTIC (Older Persons' Transitions in Care) study team for their contributions to the parent study from which this analysis and paper were generated. This study was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR grant CIHR PHE 101863); the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research; Alberta Foundation of Medical Research; Alberta Health Services; Interior Health Authority, Kelowna, British Columbia; the University of Alberta Hospital Foundation; and the British Columbia Network for Aging Research. The authors have disclosed no other financial relationships related to this article. Submitted September 7, 2022; accepted in revised form January 9, 2023
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Cotton K, Booth RG, McMurray J, Treesh R. Understanding health information exchange processes within Canadian long-term care: A scoping review. Int J Older People Nurs 2023; 18:e12501. [PMID: 36117493 DOI: 10.1111/opn.12501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Providing supportive care to long-term care residents with complex medical conditions generates substantial amounts of health information. This information must be documented, shared and acted upon by the various care providers within the circle of care. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this scoping review is to describe the current digital health information exchange (HIE) processes used within Canadian long-term care facilities (LTCFs). METHODS The scoping review followed Arksey and O'Malley's approach to the methodology. Electronic databases (e.g. CINAHL, MEDLINE and SCOPUS) were searched between 2010 and 2020 using terms including 'health information exchange', 'communication' and 'health information technology'. Articles were included if they were Canadian-based and relevant to our definition of health information exchange. RESULTS The search yielded 2091 citations for title and abstract screening; 78 citations were selected for independent full-text review, 42 of those met study criteria. The findings revealed gaps between the expectations of HIE for quality health care and the realities of HIE processes that impact the provision of care in long-term care. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that increased provider engagement and effective use of HIE processes is recommended to improve the safety and quality of health care in the long-term care sector. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE HIE implementation should be preceded a review of various aspects of workflow to identify information gaps and inefficiencies that can be addressed by digitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendra Cotton
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Richard G Booth
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Josephine McMurray
- Lazaridis School of Business & Economics/Community Health, Wilfrid Laurier University, Brantford, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rianne Treesh
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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Cordasco KM, Gable AR, Tan GJ, Yuan AH, Yip K, Khafaf M, Hays RD, Faiz JP, Chawla N, Ganz DA. Veteran knowledge, perceptions, and receipt of care following visits to VA emergency departments for ambulatory care sensitive conditions. Acad Emerg Med 2022; 30:252-261. [PMID: 36578158 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Receipt of follow-up care after emergency department (ED) visits for chronic ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs)-asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, diabetes, and/or hypertension-is crucial. We assessed Veterans' follow-up care knowledge, perceptions, and receipt of care after visits to Veterans Health Administration (VA) EDs for chronic ACSCs. METHODS Using explanatory sequential mixed methods, we interviewed Veterans with follow-up care needs after ACSC-related ED visits, and manually reviewed ED notes, abstracting interviewees' documented follow-up needs and care received. RESULTS We interviewed and reviewed ED notes of 35 Veterans, 12-27 (mean 19) days after ED visits. Follow-up care was completely received/scheduled in 20, partially received/scheduled in eight, and not received in seven Veterans. Among those who received care, it was received within specified time frames half the time. However, interviewees often did not recall these time frames or reported them to be longer than specified in the ED notes. Veterans who had not yet received or scheduled follow-up care commonly did not recall follow-up care instructions, believed that they did not need this care since they were not currently having symptoms, or thought that such care would be difficult to obtain due to appointment unavailability and/or difficulties communicating with follow-up care providers. Among the 28 Veterans in whom all or some follow-up care had been received/scheduled, for 25 cases VA staff reached out to the Veteran or the appointment was scheduled prior to or during the ED visit. CONCLUSIONS VA should prioritize implementing processes for EDs to efficiently communicate Veterans' needs to follow-up care providers and systems for reaching out to Veterans and/or arranging for care prior to Veterans leaving the ED. VA should also enhance practices using multimodal approaches for educating Veterans about recommended ED follow-up care and improve mechanisms for Veterans to communicate with follow-up care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina M Cordasco
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation & Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Medicine, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Alicia R Gable
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation & Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Gracielle J Tan
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation & Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Anita H Yuan
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation & Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kathleen Yip
- Department of Medicine, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Emergency Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mana Khafaf
- Department of Medicine, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ron D Hays
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.,RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California, USA
| | - Jessica P Faiz
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation & Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA.,National Clinician Scholars Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Neetu Chawla
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation & Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - David A Ganz
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation & Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Medicine, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.,RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California, USA
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Marincowitz C, Preston L, Cantrell A, Tonkins M, Sabir L, Mason S. What influences decisions to transfer older care-home residents to the emergency department? A synthesis of qualitative reviews. Age Ageing 2022; 51:6834152. [PMID: 36413591 PMCID: PMC9681131 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afac257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND care home residents aged over 65 have disproportionate rates of emergency department (ED) attendance and hospitalisation. Around 40% attendances may be avoidable, and hospitalisation is associated with harms. We synthesised the evidence available in qualitative systematic reviews of different stakeholders' experiences of decisions to transfer residents to the ED. METHODS six electronic databases, references and citations of included reviews and relevant policy documents were searched. Reviews of qualitative studies exploring factors that influenced care home staff, medical practitioners, residents' family or residents' experiences and factors influencing decisions to transfer residents to the ED were included. Thematic analysis was used to synthesise findings. RESULTS six previous reviews were included, which synthesised the findings of 34 primary studies encompassing 152 care home residents, 283 resident family members or carers and 447 care home staff. Of the primary studies, 19 were conducted in the North America, seven in Australia, five were conducted in Scandinavia, two in the United Kingdom and one in Holland. Three themes were identified: (i) power dynamics between residents, family members, care home staff and health care professionals (external to the care home) influence decisions; (ii) admission can be necessary; however, (iii) some decisions may be driven by factors other than clinical need. CONCLUSION transfer decisions are complex and are determined not just by changes in health status interventions aimed at reducing avoidable transfers need to address the key role family members have in transfer decisions, the medical legal fears of care home staff and barriers to accessing community services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Marincowitz
- Address correspondence to: Carl Marincowitz, Centre for Urgent and Emergency Care Research (CURE), School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Regent Court, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield S1 4DA, UK.
| | - Louise Preston
- Health Economics and Decision Science, Health Services Research School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK
| | - Anna Cantrell
- Health Economics and Decision Science, Health Services Research School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK
| | - Michael Tonkins
- Centre for Urgent and Emergency Care Research (CURE), School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK
| | - Lisa Sabir
- Centre for Urgent and Emergency Care Research (CURE), School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK
| | - Suzanne Mason
- Centre for Urgent and Emergency Care Research (CURE), School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK
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Marincowitz C, Preston L, Cantrell A, Tonkins M, Sabir L, Mason S. Factors associated with increased Emergency Department transfer in older long-term care residents: a systematic review. THE LANCET. HEALTHY LONGEVITY 2022; 3:e437-e447. [PMID: 36098321 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-7568(22)00113-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The proportion of adults older than 65 years is rapidly increasing. Care home residents in this age group have disproportionate rates of transfer to the Emergency Department (ED) and around 40% of attendances might be avoidable. We did a systematic review to identify factors that predict ED transfer from care homes. Six electronic databases were searched. Observational studies that provided estimates of association between ED attendance and variables at a resident or care home level were included. 26 primary studies met the inclusion criteria. Seven common domains of factors assessed for association with ED transfer were identified and within these domains, male sex, age, presence of specific comorbidities, polypharmacy, rural location, and care home quality rating were associated with likelihood of ED transfer. The identification of these factors provides useful information for policy makers and researchers intending to either develop interventions to reduce hospitalisations or use adjusted rates of hospitalisation as a care home quality indicator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Marincowitz
- Centre for Urgent and Emergency Care Research (CURE), Health Services Research, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
| | - Louise Preston
- Health Economics and Decision Science, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Anna Cantrell
- Health Economics and Decision Science, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Michael Tonkins
- Centre for Urgent and Emergency Care Research (CURE), Health Services Research, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Lisa Sabir
- Centre for Urgent and Emergency Care Research (CURE), Health Services Research, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Suzanne Mason
- Centre for Urgent and Emergency Care Research (CURE), Health Services Research, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Tate K, McLane P, Reid C, Rowe BH, Cummings G, Estabrooks CA, Cummings G. Assessing quality of older persons' emergency transitions between long-term and acute care settings: a proof-of-concept study. BMJ Open Qual 2022; 11:bmjoq-2021-001639. [PMID: 35264332 PMCID: PMC8915308 DOI: 10.1136/bmjoq-2021-001639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Long-term care (LTC) residents frequently experience transitions in the location of more advanced care delivery, including receiving emergency department (ED) care. In this proof-of-concept study, we aimed to determine if we could identify measures in quality of care across transitions from LTC to the ED, via emergency medical services and back, by applying Institute of Medicine (IOM) Quality of Care Domains to an existing dataset. Methods In the Older Persons’ Transitions in Care (OPTIC) study, we collected information on residents’ transitions in two Western Canadian cities. We applied the IOM’s Quality of Care Domains to the OPTIC data to create binary measures of transition quality. We report the median (MED) per cent and IQR of measures met within each domain of quality. Results We tracked 637 transitions over a 12-month period, with data collected from each setting. We developed 19 safety measures, 20 measures of resident-centred care, 3 measures of timely care and 5 measures of effective care. We were unable to develop measures for equitable care at an individual transfer level. Domain scores varied across individual transitions, with the highest scores in safety (MED 79%, IQR: 63–95), efficiency (66%; IQR: 66–99), and resident-centred (45%; IQR: 25–65), followed by effectiveness (36%; IQR: 16–56), and timeliness (0%; IQR: 0–50). Conclusions Our results show variation in scores across the domains of quality suggesting that it is possible to track quality of transitions for individuals across all settings, and not only within settings. We recommend that future work in tracking quality of care be performed at several levels (LTC, region, health authority, province). Such tracking is necessary to evaluate and improve overall quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn Tate
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Patrick McLane
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Colin Reid
- School of Health and Exercise Science, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Brian H Rowe
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Garnet Cummings
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Carole A Estabrooks
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Greta Cummings
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Quality Indicators for Older Persons' Transitions in Care: A Systematic Review and Delphi Process. Can J Aging 2021; 41:40-54. [PMID: 34080533 DOI: 10.1017/s0714980820000446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
We identified quality indicators (QIs) for care during transitions of older persons (≥ 65 years of age). Through systematic literature review, we catalogued QIs related to older persons' transitions in care among continuing care settings and between continuing care and acute care settings and back. Through two Delphi survey rounds, experts ranked relevance, feasibility, and scientific soundness of QIs. A steering committee reviewed QIs for their feasible capture in Canadian administrative databases. Our search yielded 326 QIs from 53 sources. A final set of 38 feasible indicators to measure in current practice was included. The highest proportions of indicators were for the emergency department (47%) and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) quality domain of effectiveness (39.5%). Most feasible indicators were outcome indicators. Our work highlights a lack of standardized transition QI development in practice, and the limitations of current free-text documentation systems in capturing relevant and consistent data.
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11
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Addressing Communication Breakdowns during Emergency Care Transitions of Older Adults: Evaluation of a Standardized Inter-Facility Health Care Communication Form. Can J Aging 2021; 41:15-25. [PMID: 34018474 DOI: 10.1017/s0714980821000039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Transitions for older persons from long-term care (LTC) to the emergency department (ED) and back, can result in adverse events. Effective communication among care settings is required to ensure continuity of care. We implemented a standardized form for improving consistency of documentation during LTC to ED transitions of residents 65 years of age or older, via emergency medical services (EMS), and back. Data on form use and form completion were collected through chart review. Practitioners' perspectives were collected using surveys. The form was used in 90/244 (37%) LTC to ED transitions, with large variation in data element completion. EMS and ED reported improved identification of resident information. LTC personnel preferred usual practice to the new form and twice reported prioritizing form completion before calling 911. To minimize risk of harmful unintended consequences, communication forms should be implemented as part of broader quality improvement programs, rather than as stand-alone interventions.
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Basinska K, Wellens NIH, Simon M, Zeller A, Kressig RW, Zúñiga F. Registered nurses in expanded roles improve care in nursing homes: Swiss perspective based on the modified Delphi method. J Adv Nurs 2020; 77:742-754. [PMID: 33222269 PMCID: PMC7894469 DOI: 10.1111/jan.14644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
AIM To define both competencies and envisaged outcomes for registered nurses in expanded roles in Swiss nursing homes to be implemented and evaluated within a new model of care. BACKGROUND In regions where Advanced Practice Nurses are rare or absent, registered nurses take up clinical leadership and expanded roles. To allow effective implementation, monitoring and evaluation of these nurses, stakeholders need a shared understanding of the competencies they require and what outcomes they should achieve. DESIGN RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method - a modified Delphi method. METHODS A critical literature review and case studies were conducted to identify possible competencies and outcomes for registered nurses in expanded roles. In 2017, a two-round rating process and an in-person panel discussion was completed by a group of multi-professional stakeholders. FINDINGS Two rounds generated 190 competencies and 72 outcomes relevant to registered nurses in expanded roles. CONCLUSION The relevant competencies and outcomes of registered nurses in expanded roles indicate their support for care teams and development of nursing care in nursing homes. Their geriatric expertise allows them to function as role models and innovators, reinforcing overall perceptions of nursing as a profession. These nurses are especially important in countries and settings where Advanced Practice Nurses are scarce or unavailable. IMPACT The identified competencies clarify the duties of expanded-role registered nurses, thereby differentiating them from other care providers. Although conducted in the Swiss healthcare system, our methods and findings can be adapted to other healthcare settings. The results of this study will guide the development of an educational programme in a multi-centre study to reduce avoidable hospitalizations, while the defined outcomes guide the evaluation of their impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kornelia Basinska
- Nursing Science (INS), Department Public Health (DPH), Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie I H Wellens
- Department of Public Health and Social Affairs of the Canton of Vaud, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michael Simon
- Nursing Science (INS), Department Public Health (DPH), Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Nursing Research Unit, Inselspital Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Zeller
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Center for Primary Health Care, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Reto W Kressig
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,University Department of Geriatric Medicine FELIX PLATTER, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Franziska Zúñiga
- Nursing Science (INS), Department Public Health (DPH), Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Trivedi S, Dick A, Beckett S, Hartmann RJ, Roberts C, Lyster K, Stempien J. An Assessment of Handover Culture and Preferred Information in the Transitions of Care of Elderly Patients. Cureus 2019; 11:e5267. [PMID: 31576260 PMCID: PMC6764648 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.5267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Transitions of care for elderly patients in long term care (LTC) to the emergency department (ED) is fraught with communication challenges. Information preferred during these transitions has not been agreed upon. We sought to understand our local handover culture and identify what information is preferred in the transitions of care of these patients. Methods We performed a cross-sectional electronic survey that was distributed to 1470 healthcare providers (HCPs) and 82 patient and family advocates (PFAs) in two Canadian cities. The HCP group consisted of physicians and nurses in ED and LTC settings as well as paramedics. The survey was open for a period of one month with formal reminders sent weekly. Results A total of 12.9% of HCPs and 26.8% of PFAs responded to the survey. Only 41.3% of HCP respondents were aware of existing handover protocols and 83.2% indicated a desire for a single page handover form. HCPs identified concerns over handover culture surrounding workplace inefficiencies and increased demands to their time. Several preferred items of information in the transitions of care for the institutionalized elderly patient were also identified across both HCP and PFA groups. Conclusions Our study identified a need for improved local handover culture in transitions of care for the institutionalized elderly patient. We also identified the preferred elements of information during bilateral communication between LTC and the ED. Our results will be used to design a patient-centred handover form for future use in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin Trivedi
- Emergency Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, CAN
| | - Alixe Dick
- Emergency Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Regina, CAN
| | | | | | | | - Kish Lyster
- Internal Medicine, Regina Qu'appelle Health Region, Regina, CAN
| | - James Stempien
- Emergency Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, CAN
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