A QUALITY INITIATIVE TO INCREASE HOSPICE REFERRALS FOR STARS PATIENTS DURING THE SECOND COVID SURGE

Abstract

Abstract Background CMS uses the Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating program to stratify hospitals based on specific quality criteria (e.g., 30-day readmissions of older adults with pneumonia). “STARS patients” experience more readmissions, longer LOS and often have more complex discharge plans. During the second surge of COVID we implemented a program to increase hospice referrals through early identification and implementation of goals of care (GOC) conversations. Methods Electronic Medical Records reviewed for STARS patients from pre- (1/2019-7/2020) and post (3/2021–2/2022) program implementation. Location: 2 community-based hospitals. Data collected: demographics, hospital outcomes, discharge disposition. Data compared with Student’s t tests and Chi square. Results 459 patients, 177 pre-program and 282 post-program were included. Groups were similar in age (83.0 vs 83.6), LACE score (13.0 vs 12.8), principal diagnoses (PNA: 41.5% vs 46.0%, HF/COPD/AMI: 58.5% vs 54.0%), and mortality (3.5 vs. 4.0%). LOS increased 4.9 days vs. 6.1 days (p < 0.01), readmission rates unchanged: 12.6% vs 13.0% (p=0.90). GOC conversations increased, 48.6% to 75.0% (p < 0.01), DNR from 24% to 44% (p < 0.01), and comfort measures from 0.5% to 5% (p < 0.01). Hospice referrals increased from 0.5% to 11.2% (p < 0.01). Discussion: Early identification of STARS patients increased GOC conversations, DNR, comfort measures and hospice referral. Patients across time periods were similar in age, LACE and admitting diagnoses. LOS increased by a day, likely reflecting time needed to arrange discharge disposition. Increased hospice at end-of-life is associated with better quality care and patient/family satisfaction. This program may be adapted to larger, academic medical centers within the health system.