Abstract
Older adults account for 60% of all preventable hospital readmissions. Although not all readmissions are preventable, evidence indicates that up to 75% of hospital readmissions can be prevented with enhanced patient education, pre-discharge assessment, and effective care upon discharge. Social support, specifically peer support, after discharge from hospital may be a crucial factor in minimizing the risk of preventable hospital readmission. The pilot study reported here evaluated the relationship between peer support and hospital readmissions in a sample of depressed older adults (N = 41) who were recently discharged from hospital due to a medical condition and who simultaneously had an untreated mental health diagnosis of depression. As hypothesized, participants who received the 3-month long peer support intervention were significantly less likely to be readmitted compared to those who did not receive the intervention. Findings from this preliminary information suggest that peer support is a protective factor that can positively affect patient outcomes, reduce the risk of hospital readmission, and reduce depressive symptoms among older adults with health and behavioral health comorbidities.
Highlights
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) define a readmission as an admission to a subsection hospital within 30 days of a discharge from the same or another subsection hospital (CMS 2012)
The current study evaluated the relationship between peer support and hospital readmissions in a sample of depressed older adults who were discharged from hospital due to a medical condition and who simultaneously had an untreated mental health diagnosis of depression
This study examined the impact of peer support on the rates of hospital readmissions among a highly vulnerable sample of older adults living with a medical illness and a co-occurring depression diagnosis
Summary
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) define a readmission as an admission to a subsection hospital within 30 days of a discharge from the same or another subsection hospital (CMS 2012). Preventable hospital readmissions represent a critical failure of the healthcare system, have a negative impact on patient outcomes, and are the single largest driver of excess healthcare costs (Burton 2012). Hospital readmission increases the risk for complications, infections, and functional impairment (Krumholz 2013; Forster et al 2004; Cuffel et al 2002). This risk is heightened among older adults (aged 65 and older) whom account for nearly 60% of all preventable hospital readmissions (Hamilton et al 2015; Schwarz 2000). Group exercise, and receive a community resource guide (1.) Reinforce Information Provided in Hospital Discharge Plan
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