Articles tagged with Home Care
A pilot study found that a mindfulness-based program, MODEL Care, improved patients' and family caregivers' ability to cope with the emotional challenges of advanced cancer. The program enhanced their ability to have open discussions about end-of-life plans, ultimately decreasing barriers to advance care planning.
The study found a 16.1% decline in ICD placements not meeting Medicare coverage criteria at hospitals that settled with the DOJ, while non-Medicare patients also showed declines. Hospital-level variation remained, with top performers having less than 3.8% of ICDs not meeting criteria
Two new studies highlight the critical need for evaluating and updating standards for infection preventionist (IP) staffing levels, citing severe gaps in staffing and outdated coverage benchmarks. The studies found that actual IP labor needs are 31-66% higher than current benchmarks, indicating a greater need for IP oversight.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine finds that hospital at home (HaH) care reduces length of stay, hospital readmissions, emergency department visits, and transfers to skilled nursing facilities. HaH also improves patient experience and satisfaction rates compared to traditional inpatient care.
Researchers found that proxies who viewed a 12-minute advanced care planning video were more likely to have residents with advance directives indicating tube-feeding should be withheld. When proxies preferred comfort care, advance directives aligned with that preference.
The MIECHV program has established six benchmarks for organizations to demonstrate improvement, but research suggests only three constructs - preterm birth, breastfeeding, and well-child visits - are supported by evidence-based research. The review identifies 16 other non-mandated constructs that have evidence of home visiting improvin...
A quarter of intensive care patients are readmitted to hospital shortly after returning home, research suggests. Poor carer stress, difficulty understanding health and social care packages, and psychological trauma contribute to high rates of return, the findings show. The study highlights the need for services to take into account com...
A new study found per-capita end-of-life care costs have been declining since 2008, with significant contributions from reduced inpatient and physician expenditures. The decline contributed to moderation in growth of overall per-capita Medicare spending.
Patients and caregivers prioritize clear accountability, continuity, and caring attitudes in care transitions. Effective services include actionable information, collaborative discharge planning, empathic communication, and uninterrupted care.
Researchers found that patients and caregivers prioritize caring attitudes, accountability, and continuity of care during hospital discharge processes. These outcomes lead to excellent and trustworthy care, but poor care can result in mistrust, anxiety, and confusion.
Researchers found that nursing home residents with advanced dementia who undergo surgical repair for hip fractures have a lower mortality rate compared to those managed with palliative care. These patients also experience less pain and fewer pressure ulcers.
A recent study published in CMAJ found that patients who received home care visits from nurses were more likely to visit the emergency department during the evening on the same day. The likelihood of this occurrence was greater among people with non-urgent issues and those who had not been admitted to hospital.
A new USC study reveals that Yelp reviews of nursing homes tend to focus more on staff attitudes and responsiveness than government reviews. The study evaluated 264 Yelp reviews and grouped them into five categories, finding that nearly 53% of reviewers posted comments about staff attitude and caring.
A Zika vaccine has shown significant potential in eliminating prenatal infections, with a 75% effective vaccine covering 90% of females aged 9-49 years reducing incidence by at least 94%. The vaccine's effectiveness depends on demographic and fertility patterns, local Zika attack rates, and population susceptibility.
Drs. William Applegate and Thomas Edes receive the prestigious Nascher/Manning Award for their groundbreaking contributions to geriatrics expertise. Both pioneers have made significant impacts on improving patient care, increasing access to home-based primary care, and advancing palliative care.
A new study found that many care home admissions are based on coercive practices, disregarding fundamental human rights. The research highlights the need for stronger regulation and safeguards to protect older people from abuse.
A recent study found that neglectful behaviors are widespread among English care home staff, despite efforts to provide person-centered care. The survey of 1,544 staff revealed that many witnessed residents being left waiting for care or having insufficient time for food.
Researchers identified five essential themes for consistent and supported care transitions, including preparing individuals with dementia and their caregivers, evaluating preferences and goals, and creating inter-professional collaborative team environments. The findings suggest that person-centered care is crucial for achieving outcom...
A new study found that patients in primary care networks had significantly fewer emergency department visits and shorter hospital stays. The analysis of data from Alberta, Canada, suggests a province-wide program to promote team-based primary care can effectively reduce ED use.
A study by Victoria Claydon found that bowel care is the top concern for individuals with spinal cord injuries, followed by sexual function, bladder function, and pain. The research highlights the need for holistic solutions to address the complex bodily system impacts of spinal cord injury.
Researchers found that family support is a key influencer of care preferences in older adults with advanced illnesses, but also discovered that individuals often lack a clear understanding of their own preferences. The study emphasizes the importance of considering these factors when providing person-centered care.
A new study found that predicting avoidable transfers from nursing homes is challenging due to the limited predictive value of symptoms and patient risk conditions. The study suggests that a multi-component approach like OPTIMISTIC has been successful in reducing these transfers, but further work is needed.
A new smartphone app called 'Corrie' has been designed to help patients navigate the hospital discharge process and transition to home after a heart attack. The app allows patients to track medications, follow-up appointments, and lifestyle changes, resulting in a lower readmission rate compared to standard care.
A pilot study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that a home hospital model reduced direct costs up to half compared to traditional hospital care. The model also decreased hospital utilization and improved patient physical activity, with no significant impact on quality or safety.
A large-scale trial found that upskilling care home staff to deliver person-centred care, combined with just one hour of social interaction per week, significantly improves quality of life and reduces agitation and aggression in people with dementia. The approach also saves money compared to standard care.
A new algorithm developed at the University of Waterloo will help first responders and home care providers identify elderly individuals who are most vulnerable during natural disasters. The algorithm uses data from interRAI's home care assessment to generate an up-to-date list of those who may need assistance.
Aalto University researchers have developed a new work model that allocates caregivers to a shared pool, reducing the need for temporary agency staff by up to 60%. This approach has improved home care services and reduced carers' workload, enabling them to better respond to clients' needs.
Leaders who champion community health workers and a culture of innovation are key to their integration into medical home care teams. Community health workers' diverse roles, including outreach, education, and system navigation, can improve patient outcomes despite growing awareness needs.
A UTA study surveyed 344 married couples finding that mobile device use during family time results in lower job satisfaction and performance. The study highlights the need for companies to consider the impact of work-life interaction on employee relationships and productivity.
A new study analyzing heart attack care and spending in America since the turn of the century shows increased survival rates and growing costs, with variation between hospitals on both scores. Early stenting treatment has been found to be cost-effective, particularly for high-volume hospitals.
A national collaborative program helped nursing homes improve infection prevention practices, leading to a 54% reduction in catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). The AHRQ Safety Program empowered IPs to support practice changes and instilled a robust resident-safety culture.
The OPTIMISTIC program reduced avoidable hospitalizations among long-stay nursing facility residents by 33%, eliminating nearly one in five hospitalizations. The initiative lowered Medicare expenditures by $1589 per resident, resulting in a total savings of over $13.5 million from 2014 to 2016.
The number of doctors specializing in nursing home care has risen by over a third between 2012 and 2015, according to a new study. This trend suggests the emergence of a significant new specialty in medical practice, but its impact on patient outcomes and continuity of care remains uncertain.
A patient-centered medical home model implemented in over 800 Veterans Health Administration primary care clinics showed significant improvements in chronic disease outcomes, including better blood pressure and cholesterol control for up to 1-5% of patients. The model, known as Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT), provided multidisciplin...
Researchers developed a new framework to report and design models of care for multimorbidity, highlighting changing elements such as reduced home care and increased extended appointments. The framework provides a tool for standardized reporting and research on multimorbidity interventions.
A study by BMJ Group reveals nearly 120,000 excess deaths in England due to spending cuts on health and social care. The majority of these deaths occurred among the over-60s and care home residents.
Hospitalized adults with prior experience with their primary care physician (PCP) had better long-term outcomes than those without, according to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine. Patients cared for by their PCPs were more likely to be discharged home and had lower 30-day mortality rates.
Researchers aim to integrate advance care planning into nursing home workflow to support decision-making for dementia patients and their families. The multistate project will evaluate the effectiveness of a pragmatic program that helps staff identify patient goals and values.
A single-center study compared outcomes of 222 hip fracture patients treated before and after implementing the Perioperative Surgical Home (PSH) model. PSH patients had reduced mortality rates, fewer ER visits, and higher discharge rates to home care.
A new systematic review of evidence suggests that primary care physicians and their teams can provide effective addiction care using anti-opioid medication. The studies found that patients had the highest chance of successful treatment when working with a team of non-physicians, including nurse case managers.
Experts argue that increasing physical activity can help older people live independently and reduce the need for social care. Regular exercise can reverse age-related decline and improve cognitive ability, reducing the risk of dementia.
Researchers from King's College London predict that care homes will become the most common place to die, with over 230,000 annual deaths predicted by 2040. This increase is driven by a rise in deaths occurring at home and a decline in hospital deaths.
Medicare beneficiaries who receive home health services from lower-quality agencies are more likely to experience higher rates of hospital admissions and emergency department visits. Home health care is a critical area for addressing healthcare disparities, particularly among vulnerable populations.
A new study from the University of Cambridge found that very old people are more likely to die comfortably in care homes or at home, compared to hospitals. The researchers highlight the need for improved training in end-of-life care for all staff and address the shortage of palliative care doctors in the NHS.
A new study found that nearly half of women requesting early medication abortion cited access barriers due to long waiting times, distance, or work commitments. Thirty percent related to privacy concerns, including lack of confidentiality and stigma, with eighteen percent involving controlling circumstances like partner violence.
A community health worker-led multicomponent intervention improved systolic and diastolic blood pressure control in low-income patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Over 18 months, the intervention group showed a significant decrease in blood pressure and increased controlled hypertension rates compared to usual care.
A new study found that hospitals caring for high fractions of black infants are more likely to miss critical nursing care, which can affect survival and development. This missed care often involves teaching and counseling parents, as well as preparation for discharge, highlighting the need for supportive care environments with adequate...
A study at Children's National Hospital found that starting discharge education early, using a classroom setting and attuned communication improve parents' satisfaction with the NICU discharge process. The initiative boosted timely communication by 36% and improved satisfaction scores.
Patients with OSA improved CPAP use when telemonitored and received individualized, automated messages that reinforced therapy adherence. Telemonitoring increased CPAP use by 36-60 minutes per night.
A new study by the RAND Corporation found that 56% of people aged 57-61 will stay in a nursing home at least one night during their lifetime, contradicting previous estimates of 35%. The study analyzed 18 years of data and found that most people can afford nursing home care, with costs averaging $7,300 over a lifetime.
A new University of Michigan study found that tired family caregivers are associated with greater ER visits and higher overall health care costs for the person they care for. Patients with fatigued or sad caregivers had 23% higher emergency department visits and $1,900 more in Medicare costs.
Advanced practice nurses (APRNs) play a key role in improving nursing home care by reducing hospitalizations related to falls, dehydration, and other health issues. Leadership support is essential for APRNs to be successful in this role.
A new simulation study shows that dementia can more than double the healthcare expenditure of aging individuals, with the majority of the financial burden falling on family members. The total average cost to care for a person with dementia was $321,000 over five years, compared to $137,280 without dementia.
A new study by the American Academy of Neurology found that telemedicine is as effective as traditional in-person care for people with Parkinson's disease. Virtual house calls provided convenience and comfort without compromising quality of life.
A new analysis of care needs in England from 1991 and 2011 reveals an increase in years spent with substantial care needs for older adults. By 2025, an estimated 191000 more people will require medium dependency care, leading to a need for an additional 71000 care home places.
A study found that apathy is present in half of nursing home patients and linked with an increased risk of dying over a 4-month period. Screening and treatment strategies for apathy are necessary to improve quality of life and advanced care planning.
A study by RTI International found that low Medicaid payment rates discourage residential care providers from serving Medicaid beneficiaries, limiting access to community-based care. This results in a reliance on nursing homes, which can be more expensive for taxpayers.
A recent study published in Nursing Outlook found that home care nurses working in better work environments are less likely to miss required care, report burnout, or intend to leave their jobs. The researchers suggest that improving work environments can lead to improved care quality and reduced turnover.
A study by CU Anschutz researchers found serious communication challenges between HHC agencies and physicians following hospital discharge, citing medication list discrepancies, confusion over who wrote patient care orders, and inaccessible hospital records. Improvements in accountability and communication could address these issues an...
Medical expenditures in the US have increased by 47% between 1996-1997 and 2011-2012, mainly due to higher prescription drug use. However, primary care physician visits and home health care costs remained relatively stable.