scholarly journals Perspectives of Clinicians at Skilled Nursing Facilities on 30-Day Hospital Readmissions: A Qualitative Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 632-638 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bennett Clark ◽  
Katelyn Baron ◽  
Kathleen Tynan-McKiernan ◽  
Meredith Campbell Britton ◽  
Karl Minges ◽  
...  
2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 21-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anupam Chandra ◽  
Paul Takahashi ◽  
Gregory J Hanson ◽  
Amelia Sneve ◽  
Parvez Rahman ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel A Prusynski ◽  
Allison M Gustavson ◽  
Siddhi R Shrivastav ◽  
Tracy M Mroz

Abstract Objective Exponential increases in rehabilitation intensity in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) motivated recent changes in Medicare reimbursement policies, which remove financial incentives for providing more minutes of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Yet there is concern that SNFs will reduce therapy provision and patients will experience worse outcomes. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize current evidence on the relationship between therapy intensity and patient outcomes in SNFs. Methods PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, PEDro, and COCHRANE databases were searched. English-language studies published in the United States between 1998 and February 14, 2020, examining the relationship between therapy intensity and community discharge, hospital readmission, length of stay (LOS), and functional improvement for short-stay SNF patients were considered. Data extraction and risk of bias were performed using the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Classification of Evidence scale for causation questions. AAN criteria were used to assess confidence in the evidence for each outcome. Results Eight observational studies met inclusion criteria. There was moderate evidence that higher intensity therapy was associated with higher rates of community discharge and shorter LOS. One study provided very low-level evidence of associations between higher intensity therapy and lower hospital readmissions after total hip and knee replacement. There was low-level evidence indicating higher intensity therapy is associated with improvements in function. Conclusions This systematic review concludes, with moderate confidence, that higher intensity therapy in SNFs leads to higher community discharge rates and shorter LOS. Future research should improve quality of evidence on functional improvement and hospital readmissions. Impact This systematic review demonstrates that patients in SNFs may benefit from higher intensity therapy. Because new policies no longer incentivize intensive therapy, patient outcomes should be closely monitored to ensure patients in SNFs receive high-quality care.


2021 ◽  
pp. 089826432110131
Author(s):  
Leah R. Abrams ◽  
Geoffrey J. Hoffman

Objectives: Despite detrimental effects of depressive symptoms on self-care and health, hospital discharge practices and the benefits of different discharge settings are poorly understood in the context of depression. Methods: This retrospective cohort study comprised 23,485 hospitalizations from Medicare claims linked to the Health and Retirement Study (2000–2014). Results: Respondents with depressive symptoms were no more likely to be referred to home health, whereas the probability of discharge to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) went up a half percentage point with each increasing symptom, even after adjusting for family support and health. Rehabilitation in SNFs, compared to routine discharges home, reduced the positive association between depressive symptoms and 30-day hospital readmissions (OR = 0.95, p = 0.029) but did not prevent 30-day falls, 1-year falls, or 1-year mortality associated with depressive symptoms. Discussion: Depressive symptoms were associated with discharges to SNFs, but SNFs do not appear to address depressive symptoms to enhance functioning and survival.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Chimitt ◽  
Jennifer Carnahan

Background and Hypothesis:   Approximately 40% of patients aged 80+ enter a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) following a hospitalization. SNFs can be used as “safety nets” to expedite the discharge process of older adults and it can be difficult to pinpoint how and who made the decision for a hospitalized older adult to discharge to a SNF.   This project examines the factors that drive older adults to enter and leave a SNF for their rehabilitation care.    Project Methods:   Interview transcripts from a qualitative study with patients and their caregivers were used to examine factors influencing admission to and discharge from SNFs. Baseline interviews were conducted within two to seven days after returning home from a SNF stay followed by a follow up phone call one to two weeks after the initial interview. Transcripts and audio files were coded (using NVivo version 12+) for major themes. Interviews were analyzed using a constant comparative method to elicit themes of interest to interviewees.    Results:   There were 24 baseline interviews and X follow up interviews performed with a total of 24 patients and 15 caregivers. The primary theme identified was that patients perceived a loss of autonomy when considering the decision-making process. 75% (18/24) patients or their caregivers felt the healthcare team told them they must go to a SNF for their rehabilitation. 38% (9/24) patients or caregivers felt they had no choice but to leave due to insurance coverage and 50% (12/24) stated that they needed more time.    Potential Impact:   To achieve better patient outcomes, one must understand both the purpose of skilled nursing facilities and also how patients and their families are feeling as they transition through this uncertain period of their lives. Restoring a patient’s sense of autonomy will foster better patient-healthcare relationships and improve trust in the system. 


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