Andrew P Costa1, John P Hirdes. 1. Research Associate, Department of Health Studies and Gerontology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Alternate-level-of-care (ALC) patients waiting for admission to long-term care (LTC) in Ontario hospitals are an important subgroup of ALC patients. Understanding the characteristics of ALC patients waiting for LTC can identify opportunities for alternative discharge options. METHODS: Characteristics from a sample of 13,915 ALC patients waiting for LTC in acute and complex hospitals were analyzed and compared to those from a sample of 113,046 long-stay home care clients in Ontario. Population-level data were obtained using Ontario's RAI-HC database for the period January 2007 to September 2008. FINDINGS: Relative to older long-stay home care clients, ALC patients waiting for LTC admission have more functional impairment and complex health needs. A combination of targeted transitional care and more resource-intensive home care services are needed to successfully address ALC patients' care needs in the community. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial portion of ALC patients waiting for LTC placement in acute and complex care hospitals may be more appropriately cared for in community settings if adequate community-centred resources are put in place.
BACKGROUND: Alternate-level-of-care (ALC) patients waiting for admission to long-term care (LTC) in Ontario hospitals are an important subgroup of ALC patients. Understanding the characteristics of ALC patients waiting for LTC can identify opportunities for alternative discharge options. METHODS: Characteristics from a sample of 13,915 ALC patients waiting for LTC in acute and complex hospitals were analyzed and compared to those from a sample of 113,046 long-stay home care clients in Ontario. Population-level data were obtained using Ontario's RAI-HC database for the period January 2007 to September 2008. FINDINGS: Relative to older long-stay home care clients, ALC patients waiting for LTC admission have more functional impairment and complex health needs. A combination of targeted transitional care and more resource-intensive home care services are needed to successfully address ALC patients' care needs in the community. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial portion of ALC patients waiting for LTC placement in acute and complex care hospitals may be more appropriately cared for in community settings if adequate community-centred resources are put in place.
Authors: J P Hirdes; B E Fries; J N Morris; K Steel; V Mor; D Frijters; S LaBine; C Schalm; M J Stones; G Teare; T Smith; M Marhaba; E Pérez; P Jónsson Journal: Healthc Manage Forum Date: 1999
Authors: Kenneth E Covinsky; Robert M Palmer; Richard H Fortinsky; Steven R Counsell; Anita L Stewart; Denise Kresevic; Christopher J Burant; C Seth Landefeld Journal: J Am Geriatr Soc Date: 2003-04 Impact factor: 5.562
Authors: Melissa Koehler; Terry Rabinowitz; John Hirdes; Michael Stones; G Iain Carpenter; Brant E Fries; John N Morris; Richard N Jones Journal: BMC Geriatr Date: 2005-01-01 Impact factor: 3.921