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George EL, Jacobs MA, Reitz KM, Massarweh NN, Youk AO, Arya S, Hall DE. Outcomes of Women Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery in Veterans Affairs Compared With Non-Veterans Affairs Care Settings. JAMA Surg 2024; 159:501-509. [PMID: 38416481 PMCID: PMC10902781 DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2023.8081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Importance Recent legislation facilitates veterans' ability to receive non-Veterans Affairs (VA) surgical care. Although veterans are predominantly male, the number of women receiving care within the VA has nearly doubled to 10% over the past decade and recent data comparing the surgical care of women in VA and non-VA care settings are lacking. Objective To compare postoperative outcomes among women treated in VA hospitals vs private-sector hospitals. Design, Setting, and Participants This coarsened exact-matched cohort study across 9 noncardiac specialties in the Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program (VASQIP) and American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) took place from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2019. Multivariable Poisson models with robust standard errors were used to evaluate the association between VA vs private-sector care settings and 30-day mortality. Hospitals participating in American College of Surgeons NSQIP and VASQIP were included. Data analysis was performed in January 2023. Participants included female patients 18 years old or older. Exposures Surgical care in VA or private-sector hospitals. Main Outcomes and Measures Postoperative 30-day mortality and failure to rescue (FTR). Results Among 1 913 033 procedures analyzed, patients in VASQIP were younger (VASQIP: mean age, 49.8 [SD, 13.0] years; NSQIP: mean age, 55.9 [SD, 16.9] years; P < .001) and although most patients in both groups identified as White, there were significantly more Black women in VASQIP compared with NSQIP (29.6% vs 12.7%; P < .001). The mean risk analysis index score was lower in VASQIP (13.9 [SD, 6.4]) compared with NSQIP (16.3 [SD, 7.8]) (P < .001 for both). Patients in the VA were more likely to have a preoperative acute serious condition (2.4% vs 1.8%: P < .001), but cases in NSQIP were more frequently emergent (6.9% vs 2.6%; P < .001). The 30-day mortality, complications, and FTR were 0.2%, 3.2%, and 0.1% in VASQIP (n = 36 762 procedures) as compared with 0.8%, 5.0%, and 0.5% in NSQIP (n = 1 876 271 procedures), respectively (all P < .001). Among 1 763 540 matched women (n = 36 478 procedures in VASQIP; n = 1 727 062 procedures in NSQIP), these rates were 0.3%, 3.7%, and 0.2% in NSQIP and 0.1%, 3.4%, and 0.1% in VASQIP (all P < .01). Relative to private-sector care, VA surgical care was associated with a lower risk of death (adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 0.41; 95% CI, 0.23-0.76). This finding was robust among women undergoing gynecologic surgery, inpatient surgery, and low-physiologic stress procedures. VA surgical care was also associated with lower risk of FTR (aRR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.18-0.92) for frail or Black women and inpatient and low-physiologic stress procedures. Conclusions and Relevance Although women comprise the minority of veterans receiving care within the VA, in this study, VA surgical care for women was associated with half the risk of postoperative death and FTR. The VA appears better equipped to meet the unique surgical needs and risk profiles of veterans, regardless of sex and health policy decisions, including funding, should reflect these important outcome differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth L George
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, California
- Surgical Service Line, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, California
- Stanford-Surgery Policy Improvement Research & Education Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, California
| | - Michael A Jacobs
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Nader N Massarweh
- Perioperative and Surgical Care Service, Atlanta Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Decatur, Georgia
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Surgery, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Ada O Youk
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pennsylvania
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Shipra Arya
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, California
- Surgical Service Line, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, California
- Stanford-Surgery Policy Improvement Research & Education Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, California
| | - Daniel E Hall
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pennsylvania
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pennsylvania
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Wolff Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pennsylvania
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Radcliff T, Ayele R, McCreight M, Lui W, Battaglia C. Implementation of VA care coordination program to improve transitional care for veterans post-non-VA hospital discharge: an incremental cost analysis. Implement Sci Commun 2023; 4:135. [PMID: 37957780 PMCID: PMC10642017 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-023-00513-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System Community Hospital Transitions Program (CHTP) was implemented as a nurse-led intervention to reduce barriers that patients experience when transitioning from community hospitals to VA primary care settings. A previous analysis indicated that veterans who enrolled in CHTP received timely follow-up care and communications that improved care coordination, but did not examine cost implications for the VA. METHODS A budget impact analysis used the VA (payer) perspective. CHTP implementation team members and study records identified key resources required to initially implement and run the CHTP. Statistical analysis of program participants and matched controls at two study sites was used to estimate incremental VA primary care costs per veteran. Using combined program implementation, operations, and healthcare cost estimates to guide key model assumptions, overall CHTP costs were estimated for a 5-year time horizon, including a discount rate of 3%, annual inflation of 2.5%, and a sensitivity analysis that considered two options for staffing the program at VA Medical Center (VAMC) sites. RESULTS Implementation at two VAMCs required 3 months, including central program support and site-level onboarding, with costs of $34,094 (range: $25,355-$51,602), which included direct and indirect resource costs of personnel time, materials, space, and equipment. Subsequent annual costs to run the program at each site depended heavily on the staffing mix and caseload of veterans, with a baseline estimate of $193,802 to $264,868. Patients enrolled in CHTP had post-hospitalization VA primary care costs that were higher than matched controls. Over 5 years, CHTP sites staffed to serve 25-30 veterans per full-time equivalent transition team member per month had an estimated budget impact of $625 per veteran served if the transitional team included a medical social worker to support veterans with more social behavioral needs and less complex medical cases or $815 per veteran if nurses served all cases. CONCLUSIONS Evidence-based care coordination programs that support patients' return to VA primary care after a community hospital stay are feasible to implement and run. Further, flexibility in staffing this type of program is increasingly relevant as the VA and other healthcare systems consider methods to reduce provider burnout, optimize staffing, reduce costs, and address other staffing challenges while improving patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Radcliff
- Denver-Seattle Center of Innovation, Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Eastern Colorado Healthcare System, MS 151, Aurora, CO, USA.
- School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, 157B SPH Administration Building, MS 1266, College Station, TX, 77843-1266, USA.
| | - Roman Ayele
- Denver-Seattle Center of Innovation, Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Eastern Colorado Healthcare System, MS 151, Aurora, CO, USA
- Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Marina McCreight
- Denver-Seattle Center of Innovation, Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Eastern Colorado Healthcare System, MS 151, Aurora, CO, USA
- Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Wenhui Lui
- Denver-Seattle Center of Innovation, Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Eastern Colorado Healthcare System, MS 151, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Catherine Battaglia
- Denver-Seattle Center of Innovation, Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Eastern Colorado Healthcare System, MS 151, Aurora, CO, USA
- Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Piazza KM, Ashcraft LE, Rose L, Hall DE, Brown RT, Bowen MEL, Mavandadi S, Brecher AC, Keddem S, Kiosian B, Long JA, Werner RM, Burke RE. Study protocol: Type III hybrid effectiveness-implementation study implementing Age-Friendly evidence-based practices in the VA to improve outcomes in older adults. Implement Sci Commun 2023; 4:57. [PMID: 37231459 PMCID: PMC10209584 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-023-00431-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unmet care needs among older adults accelerate cognitive and functional decline and increase medical harms, leading to poorer quality of life, more frequent hospitalizations, and premature nursing home admission. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is invested in becoming an "Age-Friendly Health System" to better address four tenets associated with reduced harm and improved outcomes among the 4 million Veterans aged 65 and over receiving VA care. These four tenets focus on "4Ms" that are fundamental to the care of older adults, including (1) what Matters (ensuring that care is consistent with each person's goals and preferences); (2) Medications (only using necessary medications and ensuring that they do not interfere with what matters, mobility, or mentation); (3) Mentation (preventing, identifying, treating, and managing dementia, depression, and delirium); and (4) Mobility (promoting safe movement to maintain function and independence). The Safer Aging through Geriatrics-Informed Evidence-Based Practices (SAGE) Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI) seeks to implement four evidence-based practices (EBPs) that have shown efficacy in addressing these core tenets of an "Age-Friendly Health System," leading to reduced harm and improved outcomes in older adults. METHODS We will implement four EBPs in 9 VA medical centers and associated outpatient clinics using a type III hybrid effectiveness-implementation stepped-wedge trial design. We selected four EBPs that align with Age-Friendly Health System principles: Surgical Pause, EMPOWER (Eliminating Medications Through Patient Ownership of End Results), TAP (Tailored Activities Program), and CAPABLE (Community Aging in Place - Advancing Better Living for Elders). Guided by the Pragmatic Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM), we are comparing implementation as usual vs. active facilitation. Reach is our primary implementation outcome, while "facility-free days" is our primary effectiveness outcome across evidence-based practice interventions. DISCUSSION To our knowledge, this is the first large-scale randomized effort to implement "Age-Friendly" aligned evidence-based practices. Understanding the barriers and facilitators to implementing these evidence-based practices is essential to successfully help shift current healthcare systems to become Age-Friendly. Effective implementation of this project will improve the care and outcomes of older Veterans and help them age safely within their communities. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registered 05 May 2021, at ISRCTN #60,657,985. REPORTING GUIDELINES Standards for Reporting Implementation Studies (see attached).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstin Manges Piazza
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, 3900 Woodland Ave, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Laura Ellen Ashcraft
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, 3900 Woodland Ave, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Liam Rose
- Stanford-Surgery Policy Improvement Research & Education Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Health Economics Resource Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Daniel E Hall
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Wolff Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rebecca T Brown
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, 3900 Woodland Ave, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Geriatrics and Extended Care Program, Corporal Michael Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mary Elizabeth Libbey Bowen
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, 3900 Woodland Ave, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Education, and Clinical Center, VISN4 Mental Illness Research, Corporal Michael JCrescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shahrzad Mavandadi
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, 3900 Woodland Ave, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- School of Nursing, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | | | - Shimrit Keddem
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, 3900 Woodland Ave, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Family Medicine & Community Health, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bruce Kiosian
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, 3900 Woodland Ave, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Geriatrics and Extended Care Program, Corporal Michael Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Judith A Long
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, 3900 Woodland Ave, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rachel M Werner
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, 3900 Woodland Ave, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Robert E Burke
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, 3900 Woodland Ave, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Cusick A, Gronek J, Gorman M, Hausman MS, Schildhouse RJ. Michigan Market Referral Coordination Initiative: a Regional Market Approach to VA Specialty Care. J Gen Intern Med 2023:10.1007/s11606-023-08112-8. [PMID: 36941422 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08112-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Maintaining Internal Systems and Integrated Outside Networks (MISSION) Act of 2018 was created in response to reports of prolonged wait times for veterans accessing health care within the Veterans Affairs (VA) system. In Michigan, the MISSION Act Community Care Program led to an increased number of veterans receiving specialty care outside the VA system, in part due to the complicated process of coordinating specialty care within the VA system. From 2018 to 2020, the percentage of veterans referred to the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System (AA) for specialty care from its two referring facilities, Battle Creek VA Medical Center (BC) and Saginaw VA Healthcare System (SAG), decreased from 54.4 to 27%. OBJECTIVE Improve the number of Michigan veterans choosing VA specialty care. INTERVENTION In 2021, three VA facilities in Michigan (AA, BC, and SAG) created a market-level referral system named the Michigan Market Referral Initiative (MMRCI). This unique approach used a centralized nurse-driven team to manage specialty referrals, working directly with the veteran to explore both VA and community care (CC) options. MAIN MEASURES Referrals triaged and acceptance rates for VA care were tracked. The localized Standard Episode of Care model was used to estimate cost savings. Post-intervention AA patient wait times were compared to local CC wait times. KEY RESULTS In the 14 months after implementation of the MMRCI, the rate of veteran retention increased by 32.4%. The estimated dollars retained within the VA by MMRCI efforts was $24,105,251 as of 7/1/2022. Post-intervention AA wait times were superior to community care except in 3 specialties. CONCLUSIONS This multifacility effort is an example of a highly coordinated, veteran-centered collaboration that has led to successful retention of veterans within the VA system with resultant large-scale cost avoidance and comparable clinic wait times. Focusing on central care coordination and veteran engagement in the referral process are keys to its success, along with leveraging existing referral patterns between nearby VA facilities. This model could be extrapolated to other VA markets throughout the country where similar relationships exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Cusick
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Medicine Service (111), 2215 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48197, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Julie Gronek
- Battle Creek VA Medical Center, Battle Creek, MI, USA
| | - Mary Gorman
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Medicine Service (111), 2215 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48197, USA
| | - Mark S Hausman
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Medicine Service (111), 2215 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48197, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Richard J Schildhouse
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Medicine Service (111), 2215 Fuller Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48197, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Rabin BA, Cakici J, Golden CA, Estabrooks PA, Glasgow RE, Gaglio B. A citation analysis and scoping systematic review of the operationalization of the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM). Implement Sci 2022; 17:62. [PMID: 36153628 PMCID: PMC9509575 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-022-01234-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM) was developed in 2008 as a contextually expanded version of the broadly used Reach, Adoption, Effectiveness, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. PRISM provides researchers a pragmatic and intuitive model to improve translation of research interventions into clinical and community practice. Since 2008, the use of PRISM increased across diverse topics, populations, and settings. This citation analysis and scoping systematic review aimed to assess the use of the PRISM framework and to make recommendations for future research. Methods A literature search was conducted using three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus) for the period of 2008 and September 2020. After exclusion, reverse citation searches and invitations to experts in the field were used to identify and obtain recommendations for additional articles not identified in the original search. Studies that integrated PRISM into their study design were selected for full abstraction. Unique research studies were abstracted for information on study characteristics (e.g., setting/population, design), PRISM contextual domains, and RE-AIM outcomes. Results A total of 180 articles were identified to include PRISM to some degree. Thirty-two articles representing 23 unique studies integrated PRISM within their study design. Study characteristics varied widely and included studies conducted in diverse contexts, but predominately in high-income countries and in clinical out-patient settings. With regards to use, 19 used PRISM for evaluation, 10 for planning/development, 10 for implementation, four for sustainment, and one for dissemination. There was substantial variation across studies in how and to what degree PRISM contextual domains and RE-AIM outcomes were operationalized and connected. Only two studies directly connected individual PRISM context domains with RE-AIM outcomes, and another four included RE-AIM outcomes without direct connection to PRISM domains. Conclusions This is the first systematic review of the use of PRISM in various contexts. While there were low levels of ‘integrated’ use of PRISM and few reports on linkage to RE-AIM outcomes, most studies included important context domains of implementation and sustainability infrastructure and external environment. Recommendations are provided for more consistent and comprehensive use of and reporting on PRISM to inform both research and practice on contextual factors in implementation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13012-022-01234-3.
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McCreight M, Rohs C, Lee M, Sjoberg H, Ayele R, Battaglia C, Glasgow RE, Rabin BA. Using a longitudinal multi-method approach to document, assess, and understand adaptations in the Veterans Health Administration Advanced Care Coordination program. FRONTIERS IN HEALTH SERVICES 2022; 2:970409. [PMID: 36925896 PMCID: PMC10012685 DOI: 10.3389/frhs.2022.970409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Understanding adaptations supports iterative refinement of the implementation process and informs scale out of programs. Systematic documentation of adaptations across the life course of programs is not routinely done, and efficient capture of adaptations in real world studies is not well understood. Methods We used a multi-method longitudinal approach to systematically document adaptations during pre-implementation, implementation, and sustainment for the Veteran Health Administration (VA) Advanced Care Coordination program. This approach included documenting adaptations through a real-time tracking instrument, process maps, Implementation and Evaluation (I&E) team meeting minutes, and adaptation interviews. Data collection was guided by the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) enhanced framework for reporting adaptations and modifications to evidence-based interventions (FRAME) model. Adaptations were evaluated across 9 categories, and analytic team consensus and member-checking were used to validate the results. Results A total of 144 individual adaptations were identified across two implementation sites and the four data sources; analytic team consensus and member-checking processes resulted in 50 unique adaptations. Most adaptations took place during the early implementation and mid-implementation phases and were: 1) planned; 2) made to address changes in program delivery; 3) made to extend a component; 4) related to the core component of the intervention concerning notification of the community emergency department visit; 5) initiated by the entire or most of the I&E team; 6) made on the basis of: pragmatic/practical considerations; 7) made with an intent to improve implementation domain (to make the intervention delivered more consistently; to better fit the local practice, patient flow or Electronic Health Record (EHR) and/or for practical reasons); 8) a result of internal influences; 9) perceived to impact the RE-AIM implementation dimension (consistent delivery of quality care or costs). I&E team meeting minutes and process maps captured the highest numbers of unique adaptations (n = 19 and n = 13, respectively). Conclusion Our longitudinal, multi-method approach provided a feasible way to collect adaptations data through engagement of multiple I&E team members, allowing and a broader understanding of adaptations that took place. Recommendations for future research include pragmatic assessment of the impact of adaptations and meaningful data collection without overburdening the implementing teams and front-line staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina McCreight
- Denver-Seattle Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Aurora, CO, United States
- VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Carly Rohs
- Denver-Seattle Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Aurora, CO, United States
- VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Marcie Lee
- Denver-Seattle Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Aurora, CO, United States
- VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Heidi Sjoberg
- Denver-Seattle Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Aurora, CO, United States
- VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Roman Ayele
- Denver-Seattle Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Aurora, CO, United States
- VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Catherine Battaglia
- Denver-Seattle Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Aurora, CO, United States
- VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Denver, CO, United States
- Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Russell E. Glasgow
- Adult and Child Center for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Borsika Adrienn Rabin
- Adult and Child Center for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Dissemination and Implementation Science Center, UC San Diego Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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Valverde PA, Ayele R, Leonard C, Cumbler E, Allyn R, Burke RE. Gaps in Hospital and Skilled Nursing Facility Responsibilities During Transitions of Care: a Comparison of Hospital and SNF Clinicians' Perspectives. J Gen Intern Med 2021; 36:2251-2258. [PMID: 33532965 PMCID: PMC8342702 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-020-06511-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse outcomes are common in transitions from hospital to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Gaps in transitional care processes contribute to these outcomes, but it is unclear whether hospital and SNF clinicians have the same perception about who is responsible for filling these gaps in care transitions. OBJECTIVE We sought to understand the perspectives of hospital and SNF clinicians on their roles and responsibilities in transitional care processes, to identify areas of congruence and gaps that could be addressed to improve transitions. DESIGN Semi-structured interviews with interdisciplinary hospital and SNF providers. PARTICIPANTS Forty-one clinicians across 3 hospitals and 3 SNFs including nurses (8), social workers (7), physicians (8), physical and occupational therapists (12), and other staff (6). APPROACH Using team-based approach to deductive analysis, we mapped responses to the 10 domains of the Ideal Transitions of Care Framework (ITCF) to identify areas of agreement and gaps between hospitals and SNFs. KEY RESULTS Although both clinician groups had similar conceptions of an ideal transitions of care, their perspectives included significant gaps in responsibilities in 8 of the 10 domains of ITCF, including Discharge Planning; Complete Communication of Information; Availability, Timeliness, Clarity and Organization of Information; Medication Safety; Educating Patients to Promote Self-Management; Enlisting Help of Social and Community Supports; Coordinating Care Among Team Members; and Managing Symptoms After Discharge. CONCLUSIONS As hospitals and SNFs increasingly are held jointly responsible for the outcomes of patients transitioning between them, clarity in roles and responsibilities between hospital and SNF staff are needed. Improving transitions of care may require site-level efforts, joint hospital-SNF initiatives, and national financial, regulatory, and technological fixes. In the meantime, building effective hospital-SNF partnerships is increasingly important to delivering high-quality care to a vulnerable older adult population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia A Valverde
- Denver-Seattle Center of Innovation at Eastern Colorado VA Healthcare System, Denver, CO, USA. .,Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Roman Ayele
- Denver-Seattle Center of Innovation at Eastern Colorado VA Healthcare System, Denver, CO, USA.,Health Systems, Management and Policy Department, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Chelsea Leonard
- Denver-Seattle Center of Innovation at Eastern Colorado VA Healthcare System, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Ethan Cumbler
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Departments of Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Rebecca Allyn
- Department of Medicine, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Robert E Burke
- VA Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion (CHERP), Corporal Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Section of Hospital Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Mattocks KM, Kroll-Desrosiers A, Kinney R, Elwy AR, Cunningham KJ, Mengeling MA. Understanding VA's Use of and Relationships With Community Care Providers Under the MISSION Act. Med Care 2021; 59:S252-S258. [PMID: 33976074 PMCID: PMC8132889 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congress has enacted 2 major pieces of legislation to improve access to care for Veterans within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). As a result, the VA has undergone a major transformation in the way that care is delivered to Veterans with an increased reliance on community-based provider networks. No studies have examined the relationship between VA and contracted community providers. This study examines VA facility directors' perspectives on their successes and challenges building relationships with community providers within the VA Community Care Network (CCN). OBJECTIVES To understand who VA facilities partner with for community care, highlight areas of greatest need for partnerships in various regions, and identify challenges of working with community providers in the new CCN contract. RESEARCH DESIGN We conducted a national survey with VA facility directors to explore needs, challenges, and expectations with the CCN. RESULTS The most common care referred to community providers included physical therapy, chiropractic, orthopedic, ophthalmology, and acupuncture. Open-ended responses focused on 3 topics: (1) Challenges in working with community providers, (2) Strategies to maintain strong relationships with community providers, and (3) Re-engagement with community providers who no longer provide care for Veterans. CONCLUSIONS VA faces challenges engaging with community providers given problems with timely reimbursement of community providers, low (Medicare) reimbursement rates, and confusing VA rules related to prior authorizations and bundled services. It will be critical to identify strategies to successfully initiate and sustain relationships with community providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M. Mattocks
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester
- VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, Leeds
| | - Aimee Kroll-Desrosiers
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester
- VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, Leeds
| | - Rebecca Kinney
- VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, Leeds
| | - Anashua R. Elwy
- Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford, MA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI
| | | | - Michelle A. Mengeling
- Center for Access & Delivery Research and Evaluation (CADRE) and Veterans Rural Health Resource Center-Iowa City (VRHRC-IC), Iowa City VA Health Care System
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA
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Ayele RA, Liu W, Rohs C, McCreight M, Mayberry A, Sjoberg H, Kelley L, Glasgow RE, Rabin BA, Battaglia C. VA Care Coordination Program Increased Primary Care Visits and Improved Transitional Care for Veterans Post Non-VA Hospital Discharge. Am J Med Qual 2020; 36:221-228. [PMID: 32772849 DOI: 10.1177/1062860620946362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Veterans are increasingly eligible for non-VA care through the Veteran Health Administration (VA) Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act while maintaining care in the VA. Continuity of care is challenging when delivered across multiple systems resulting in avoidable complications. The Community Hospital Transitions Program (CHTP) intervention was developed to address challenges veterans face post non-VA hospitalization. Propensity score-matched analysis was used to compare outcomes between 334 intervention and matched control patients who were discharged from non-VA hospitals. Veterans in CHTP were more likely than matched controls to receive a follow-up appointment within 14 days (mean: 0.43 vs 0.34, P < .05) and 30 days (mean: 0.62 vs 0.50, P < .05). There were no significant differences in 30-day readmissions or 30-day emergency department visits. CHTP veterans received timely follow-up care post discharge in VA facilities. Providing quality care to dual-use veterans is dependent on coordinated transitional care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman A Ayele
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, CO University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA
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Bradley JM, Lucas BP. MISSION Possible, but Incomplete: Pairing Better Access with Better Transitions in Veteran Care. J Hosp Med 2020; 15:188-189. [PMID: 32155408 PMCID: PMC7064301 DOI: 10.12788/jhm.3361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Joel M Bradley
- White River Junction VA Medical Center, White River Junction, Vermont
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
- Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Lebanon, New Hampshire
- Corresponding Author: Joel Bradley, MD; E-mail: ; Telephone: 802-295-9363 extension 5990; Twitter: @bradleyhashtag
| | - Brian P Lucas
- White River Junction VA Medical Center, White River Junction, Vermont
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Hanover, New Hampshire
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