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O’Shaughnessy Í, Robinson K, Whiston A, Barry L, Corey G, Devlin C, Hartigan D, Synnott A, McCarthy A, Moriarty E, Jones B, Carroll I, Shchetkovsky D, O’Connor M, Steed F, Carey L, Conneely M, Leahy A, Quinn C, Shanahan E, Ryan D, Galvin R. Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment in the Emergency Department: A Prospective Cohort Study of Process, Clinical, and Patient-Reported Outcomes. Clin Interv Aging 2024; 19:189-201. [PMID: 38343726 PMCID: PMC10859053 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s434641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to explore the process, clinical, and patient-reported outcomes of older adults who received an interdisciplinary Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) in the emergency department (ED) over a six-month period after their initial ED attendance. Patients and Methods A prospective cohort study recruited older adults aged ≥65 years who presented to the ED of a university teaching hospital in Ireland. Baseline assessment data comprising a battery of demographic variables and validated indices were obtained at the index ED attendance. Telephone interviews were completed with participants at 30- and 180-day follow-up. The primary outcome was incidence of hospital admission following the index ED attendance. Secondary outcomes included participant satisfaction, incidence of functional decline, health-related quality of life, incidence of unscheduled ED re-attendance(s), hospital (re)admission(s), nursing home admission, and death. Results A total of 133 participants (mean age 82.43 years, standard deviation = 6.89 years; 71.4% female) were recruited; 21.8% of the cohort were admitted to hospital following the index ED attendance with a significant decline in function reported at hospital discharge (Z = 2.97, p = 0.003). Incidence of 30- and 180-day unscheduled ED re-attendance was 10.5% and 24.8%, respectively. The outcome at the index ED attendance was a significant predictor of adverse outcomes whereby those who were discharged home had significantly lower odds of multiple adverse process outcomes at 30- and 180-day follow-up, and significantly higher function and health-related quality of life at 30-day follow-up. Conclusion While this study was observational in nature, findings suggest CGA in the ED may improve outcomes by mitigating against the adverse effects of potentially avoidable hospital admissions and focusing on a longitudinal approach to healthcare delivery at the primary-secondary care interface. Future research should be underpinned by an experimental study design to address key limitations in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Íde O’Shaughnessy
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Ageing Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Katie Robinson
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Ageing Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Aoife Whiston
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Ageing Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Louise Barry
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Gillian Corey
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Ageing Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Collette Devlin
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Ageing Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Deirdre Hartigan
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Ageing Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Aoife Synnott
- Department of Physiotherapy, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Aoife McCarthy
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Eoin Moriarty
- Department of Ageing and Therapeutics, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Bryan Jones
- Department of Medical Social Work, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Ida Carroll
- Department of Ageing and Therapeutics, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Denys Shchetkovsky
- Limerick EM Education Research Training (ALERT), Emergency Department, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Margaret O’Connor
- Department of Ageing and Therapeutics, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Ageing Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Fiona Steed
- Department of Health, Government of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Leonora Carey
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Mairéad Conneely
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Ageing Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Aoife Leahy
- Department of Ageing and Therapeutics, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Colin Quinn
- Department of Ageing and Therapeutics, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Elaine Shanahan
- Department of Ageing and Therapeutics, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Damien Ryan
- Limerick EM Education Research Training (ALERT), Emergency Department, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Ageing Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Rose Galvin
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Ageing Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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O'Shaughnessy Í, Romero-Ortuno R, Edge L, Dillon A, Flynn S, Briggs R, Shields D, McMahon G, Hennessy A, Kennedy U, Staunton P, McNamara R, Timmons S, Horgan F, Cunningham C. Home FIRsT: interdisciplinary geriatric assessment and disposition outcomes in the Emergency Department. Eur J Intern Med 2021; 85:50-55. [PMID: 33243612 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2020.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older people in the Emergency Department (ED) are clinically heterogenous and some presentations may be better suited to alternative out-of-hospital pathways. A new interdisciplinary comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) team (Home FIRsT) was embedded in our acute hospital's ED in 2017. AIM To evaluate if routinely collected CGA metrics were associated with ED disposition outcomes. DESIGN Retrospective observational study. METHODS We included all first patients seen by Home FIRsT between 7th May and 19th October 2018. Collected measures were sociodemographic, baseline frailty (Clinical Frailty Scale), major diagnostic categories, illness acuity (Manchester Triage Score) and cognitive impairment/delirium (4AT). Multivariate binary logistic regression models were computed to predict ED disposition outcomes: hospital admission; discharge to GP and/or community services; discharge to specialist geriatric outpatients; discharge to the Geriatric Day Hospital. RESULTS In the study period, there were 1,045 Home FIRsT assessments (mean age 80.1 years). For hospital admission, strong independent predictors were acute illness severity (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.50-2.70, P<0.001) and 4AT (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.13 - 1.42, P<0.001). Discharge to specialist outpatients (e.g. falls/bone health) was predicted by musculoskeletal/injuries/trauma presentations (OR 6.45, 95% CI 1.52 - 27.32, P=0.011). Discharge to the Geriatric Day Hospital was only predicted by frailty (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.17 - 1.97, P=0.002). Age and sex were not predictive in any of the models. CONCLUSIONS Routinely collected CGA metrics are useful to predict ED disposition. The ability of baseline frailty to predict ED outcomes needs to be considered together with acute illness severity and delirium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Íde O'Shaughnessy
- Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Roman Romero-Ortuno
- Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; Discipline of Medical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland; Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Lucinda Edge
- Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aoife Dillon
- Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sinéad Flynn
- Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Robert Briggs
- Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; Discipline of Medical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | | | - Una Kennedy
- Emergency Department, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul Staunton
- Emergency Department, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rosa McNamara
- Emergency Department, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Suzanne Timmons
- Centre for Gerontology and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Frances Horgan
- School of Physiotherapy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Conal Cunningham
- Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; Discipline of Medical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
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Taylor JK, Fox J, Shah P, Ali A, Hanley M, Hyatt R. Barriers to the identification of frailty in hospital: a survey of UK clinicians. Future Healthc J 2017; 4:207-212. [PMID: 31098473 PMCID: PMC6502581 DOI: 10.7861/futurehosp.4-3-207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Despite numerous national campaigns, frailty remains under-recognised in the hospital setting. We performed a survey of hospital-based clinicians across the UK to identify barriers to the identification and best practice management of frailty in hospital. A total of 402 clinicians were surveyed across a range of grades, specialties and hospitals. Responses highlighted variable awareness and personal understanding of frailty, particularly among junior doctors and clinicians in non-medical specialties. Although 74% of responders agreed frailty assessments should be undertaken for all older people admitted to hospital, only 36% felt this was currently feasible with available resources. Free-text responses highlighted limited education, the perceived subjectivity of frailty assessments, scepticism as to their utility in the hospital setting, and deficiencies in service provision. This was the first survey of UK hospital clinicians regarding frailty assessments. Results highlight multiple areas for improvement and engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne K Taylor
- Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and honorary research fellow, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jenny Fox
- Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
| | - Pooja Shah
- Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Anisa Ali
- Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
| | - Marie Hanley
- Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation, Manchester, UK
| | - Ray Hyatt
- East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, Blackburn, UK
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Taylor JK, Gaillemin OS, Pearl AJ, Murphy S, Fox J. Embedding comprehensive geriatric assessment in the emergency assessment unit: the impact of the COPE zone. Clin Med (Lond) 2016; 16:19-24. [PMID: 26833510 PMCID: PMC4954325 DOI: 10.7861/clinmedicine.16-1-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
We introduced a geographically embedded frailty unit, the comprehensive older person's evaluation 'COPE' zone within our emergency assessment unit (EAU). We collated data for all medical patients over 75 years admitted non-electively for one month before and after this service change. Significantly more patients were seen by a geriatrician on the EAU earlier in their admission in 2014 (33.4 vs 19.3%, p<0.001; 11 vs 20 h, p<0.001). More patients had documented comprehensive geriatric assessment and discussion in a geriatrician multidisciplinary team meeting (relative risk (RR) 3.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.35-4.73, p<0.001; RR 3.6, 95% CI 2.26-5.57, p<0.001, respectively). More patients with markers of frailty were discharged directly from EAU (42.2 vs 29.0%, p = 0.006) without increasing readmissions. Mean length of stay was reduced (9.5 vs 6.8 days, p = 0.02). The introduction of the COPE zone has improved service delivery at the point of access for older people admitted to hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne K Taylor
- Department for Ageing and Complex Medicine, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
| | - Oliver S Gaillemin
- Department of Acute Medicine, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
| | - Amy J Pearl
- Department of Acute Medicine, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
| | - Sean Murphy
- Department for Ageing and Complex Medicine, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
| | - Jennifer Fox
- Department for Ageing and Complex Medicine, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
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Bergmo TS, Berntsen GK, Dalbakk M, Rumpsfeld M. The effectiveness and cost effectiveness of the PAtient-Centred Team (PACT) model: study protocol of a prospective matched control before-and-after study. BMC Geriatr 2015; 15:133. [PMID: 26499256 PMCID: PMC4619094 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-015-0133-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study protocol describes the evaluation of a comprehensive integrated care model implemented at two hospital sites at the University Hospital of North Norway (UNN). The PAtient Centred Team (PACT) model includes proactive, patient-centred interdisciplinary teams that aim to improve the continuum and quality of care of frail elderly patients and reduce health care costs. The main objectives of the evaluation are to analyse the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of using patient-centred teams as part of routine service provision for this patient group. The evaluation will analyse the effect on patient health and functional status, patient experiences and hospital utilisation, and it will conduct an economic evaluation. This paper describes the PACT model and the rationale for and design of the planned effectiveness and cost-effectiveness study. METHODS/DESIGN This is a prospective, non-randomised matched control before-and-after intervention study. Patients in the intervention group will be recruited from the hospital sites that have implemented the PACT model. The controls will be recruited from two hospitals without the model. The control patients and the index patients will be matched according to sex, age and number of long-term conditions. The study aims to include 600 patients in each group, which will provide sufficient power to detect a clinical change in the primary outcome. The primary outcome is the physical dimension of the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Secondary outcomes are the Patient Generated Index (PGI), the Patient Activation Measure (PAM), the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC), hospitalisation and length of stay. The cost-effectiveness study takes a health provider perspective and calculates the cost per quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained. The data will be collected at baseline, 6 and 12 months. The data will be analysed using techniques and models that recognise the lack of randomisation and the correlation of cost and effect data. DISCUSSION The study results will provide knowledge about whether the integrated care model implemented at UNN improves the quality of care for the frail elderly with multiple conditions. The study will establish whether the PAC. T model improves health and functional status and is cost effective compared to the usual care for this patient group. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02541474.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trine S Bergmo
- Norwegian Centre for Integrated Care and Telemedicine, University Hospital of North Norway, 9038, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Gro K Berntsen
- Norwegian Centre for Integrated Care and Telemedicine, University Hospital of North Norway, 9038, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Monika Dalbakk
- Division of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Markus Rumpsfeld
- Division of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Tromsø - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
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Abstract
Changing global demography is resulting in older people presenting to emergency departments (EDs) in greater numbers than ever before. They present with greater urgency and are more likely to be admitted to hospital or re-attend and utilize greater resources. They experience longer waits for care and are less likely to be satisfied with their experiences. Not only that, but older people suffer poorer health outcomes after ED attendance, with higher mortality rates and greater dependence in activities of daily living or rates of admission to nursing homes. Older people's assessment and management in the ED can be complex, time consuming, and require specialist skills. The interplay of multiple comorbidities and functional decline result in the complex state of frailty that can predispose to poor health outcomes and greater care needs. Older people with frailty may present to services in an atypical fashion requiring detailed, multidimensional, and increasingly multidisciplinary care to provide the correct diagnosis and management as well as appropriate placement for ongoing care or admission avoidance. Specific challenges such as delirium, functional decline, or carer strain need to be screened for and managed appropriately. Identifying patients with specific frailty syndromes can be critical to identifying those at highest risk of poor outcomes and most likely to benefit from further specialist interventions. Models of care are evolving that aim to deliver multidimensional assessment and management by multidisciplinary specialist care teams (comprehensive geriatric assessment). Increasingly, these models are demonstrating improved outcomes, including admission avoidance or reduced death and dependence. Delivering this in the ED is an evolving area of practice that adapts the principles of geriatric medicine for the urgent-care environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham Ellis
- Medicine for the Elderly, Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, Scotland, UK
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Wright PN, Tan G, Iliffe S, Lee D. The impact of a new emergency admission avoidance system for older people on length of stay and same-day discharges. Age Ageing 2014; 43:116-21. [PMID: 23907007 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/aft086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND unplanned hospital admissions of older patients continue to attract the attention of UK policymakers, advisors and media. Reducing the number and length of stay (LOS) of these admissions has the potential to save NHS substantial costs while reducing iatrogenic risks. Some NHS trusts have introduced geriatric admission-avoidance systems, but evidence of their effectiveness is lacking. In September 2010, The Royal Free Hospital and Haverstock Healthcare Ltd, a GP provider organisation, introduced an admission-avoidance system for patients aged 70 or over: the Triage and Rapid Elderly Assessment Team (TREAT). OBJECTIVE to measure the effect of TREAT on LOS and the rate of same-day discharges (an inverse measure of admission rate). SETTING TREAT was based in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department of the Royal Free Hospital, London. DESIGN a pre- and post-retrospective cohort study comparing the 5,416 emergency geriatric admissions in the 12 months preceding the introduction of TREAT with the 5,370 emergency geriatric admissions in the 12 months following. Emergency geriatric admissions were divided into TREAT-matching and residual (non-matching) cohorts from hospital provider spell records, using the Healthcare Resource Group (HRG), treatment function and patient classification of the TREAT admissions. LOS and same-day discharge rates were measured over the pre- and post-TREAT periods: for the TREAT-matching cohort; for the residual cohort of emergency geriatric admissions; and for all emergency geriatric admissions. INTERVENTION TREAT is a system of care combining early Accident and Emergency (A&E)-based senior doctor review, Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA), therapist assessment and supported discharge; post-discharge supported recovery; and a rapid access geriatric 'hot-clinic'. TREAT was supported by a post-acute care enablement (PACE) team, providing short-term nursing support immediately following discharge. RESULTS TREAT accepted 593 geriatric admissions over a 12-month period, of which 32.04% were discharged on the day of admission. The mean LOS was 4.41 days, and the median LOS was 1 day. After the introduction of TREAT, mean LOS reduced by 18.16% (1.78 days, P < 0.001) for TREAT-matching admissions; by 11.65% (1.13 days, P < 0.001) for all emergency geriatric admissions; and by 1.08% (0.11 days, P = 0.065) for the residual population. Over the same period, the percentage of admissions resulting in same-day discharges increased from 12.26 to 16.23% (OR: 1.386, 95% CI: 1.203-1.597, P < 0.001) for TREAT-matching admissions, but for the residual population fell from 15.01 to 9.77% (OR: 0.613, P < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.737-0.509). CONCLUSIONS TREAT appears to have reduced avoidable emergency geriatric admissions, and to have shortened LOS for all emergency geriatric admissions. It aims to address the King's Fund's call for an 'overall system of care rather than lots of discrete processes' through 'better design and co-ordination of services following the needs of older people'. The ease of set-up lends itself to replication and testing in clinical and cost-effectiveness studies. Further studies are needed to measure the impact of TREAT on re-admission rates, patient outcomes and satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pandora Naomi Wright
- Department of Health Services for Elderly People, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, Pond St, London NW3 2QG, UK
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Edmans J, Bradshaw L, Franklin M, Gladman J, Conroy S. Specialist geriatric medical assessment for patients discharged from hospital acute assessment units: randomised controlled trial. BMJ 2013; 347:f5874. [PMID: 24103444 PMCID: PMC3793323 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.f5874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of specialist geriatric medical management on the outcomes of at risk older people discharged from acute medical assessment units. DESIGN Individual patient randomised controlled trial comparing intervention with usual care. SETTING Two hospitals in Nottingham and Leicester, UK. PARTICIPANTS 433 patients aged 70 or over who were discharged within 72 hours of attending an acute medical assessment unit and at risk of decline as indicated by a score of at least 2 on the Identification of Seniors At Risk tool. INTERVENTION Assessment made on the acute medical assessment unit and further outpatient management by specialist physicians in geriatric medicine, including advice and support to primary care services. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the number of days spent at home (for those admitted from home) or days spent in the same care home (if admitted from a care home) in the 90 days after randomisation. Secondary outcomes were determined at 90 days and included mortality, institutionalisation, dependency, mental wellbeing, quality of life, and health and social care resource use. RESULTS The two groups were well matched for baseline characteristics, and withdrawal rates were similar in both groups (5%). Mean days at home over 90 days' follow-up were 80.2 days in the control group and 79.7 in the intervention group. The 95% confidence interval for the difference in means was -4.6 to 3.6 days (P=0.31). No significant differences were found for any of the secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS This specialist geriatric medical intervention applied to an at risk population of older people attending and being discharged from acute medical units had no effect on patients' outcomes or subsequent use of secondary care or long term care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judi Edmans
- University of Nottingham, Division of Rehabilitation and Ageing, Medical School, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
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Røsstad T, Garåsen H, Steinsbekk A, Sletvold O, Grimsmo A. Development of a patient-centred care pathway across healthcare providers: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2013; 13:121. [PMID: 23547654 PMCID: PMC3618199 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-13-121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2012] [Accepted: 03/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Different models for care pathways involving both specialist and primary care have been developed to ensure adequate follow-up after discharge. These care pathways have mainly been developed and run by specialist care and have been disease-based. In this study, primary care providers took the initiative to develop a model for integrated care pathways across care levels for older patients in need of home care services after discharge. Initially, the objective was to develop pathways for patients diagnosed with heart failure, COPD and stroke. The aim of this paper is to investigate the process and the experiences of the participants in this developmental work. The participants were drawn from three hospitals, six municipalities and patient organizations in Central Norway. Methods This qualitative study used focus group interviews, written material and observations. Representatives from the hospitals, municipalities and patient organizations taking part in the development process were chosen as informants. Results The development process was very challenging because of the differing perspectives on care and different organizational structures in specialist care and primary care. In this study, the disease perspective, being dominant in specialist care, was not found to be suitable for use in primary health care because of the need to cover a broader perspective including the patient’s functioning, social situation and his or her preferences. Furthermore, managing several different disease-based care pathways was found to be unsuitable in home care services, as well as unsuitable for a population characterized by a substantial degree of comorbidity. The outcome of the development process was a consensus that outlined a single, common patient-centred care pathway for transition from hospital to follow-up in primary care. The pathway was suitable for most common diseases and included functional and social aspects as well as disease follow-up, thus merging the differing perspectives. The disease-based care pathways were kept for use within the hospitals. Conclusions Disease-based care pathways for older patients were found to be neither feasible nor sustainable in primary care. A common patient-centred care pathway that could meet the needs of multi- morbid patients was recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tove Røsstad
- Department of Public Health and General Practice, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
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