Characteristics of hospital readmissions of elderly patients managed through the geriatric evaluation and management in the home program

Szu-Yu Chen, Susan Brandis, Cindy Jingwen Jones, Claudia Wong

Research output: Contribution to journalMeeting AbstractResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Introduction: The Geriatric Evaluation and Management in the Home (GEMITH) program provides short-term transitional care for elderly patients at the patient’s home. Occupational therapy aims to promote independence in the home; however, the risk of unplanned hospital readmission remains high.

Objectives: To explore the association between characteristics of patients managed through the GEMITH program and their unplanned hospital readmissions based on readmission timeframes.

Method: A retrospective cohort study was conducted with a total of 320 patients included. Patient characteristics, health information, and occupational therapy input were investigated for their correlations with unplanned readmission outcomes within a one-year period.

Results: The early unplanned readmission rate (within 28 days) was 38.2%, and the late unplanned readmission rate (between 29 and 365 days) was 46.4%. The dominant pattern of readmission was between 29 and 180 days. A history of tobacco use, primary diagnosis, cerebrovascular diseases as the secondary diagnosis, and motor subtotal score of the Functional Independence Measure were found associated with different patterns of unplanned readmission.

Conclusion: The GEMITH program is a promising alternative to inpatient care and nursing home care, providing fragile patients with an opportunity to live in their home. Our findings allow the occupational therapists in the GEMITH program to appropriately determine vulnerable patients, link the patients with available community resources and prevent readmission.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)39
JournalAustralian Occupational Therapy Journal
Volume68
Issue numberS1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2021
EventOccupational Therapy Australia 29th National Conference 2021: Inspired Insights for Brighter Futures - Virtual
Duration: 23 Jun 202125 Jun 2021
https://www.otaus2021.com.au/

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