Transitional Care Program Research Articles

Transitional Care Support for Medicaid-Insured Patients With Serious Mental Illness: Protocol for a Type I Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation Stepped-Wedge Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

People diagnosed with a co-occurring serious mental illness (SMI; ie, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia) but hospitalized for a nonpsychiatric condition experience higher rates of readmissions and other adverse outcomes, in part due to poorly coordinated care transitions. Current hospital-to-home transitional care programs lack a focus on the integrated social, medical, and mental health needs of these patients. The Thrive clinical pathway provides transitional care support for patients insured by Medicaid with multiple chronic conditions by focusing on posthospitalization medical concerns and the social determinants of health. This study seeks to evaluate an adapted version of Thrive that also meets the needs of patients with co-occurring SMI discharged from a nonpsychiatric hospitalization. This study aimed to (1) engage staff and community advisors in participatory implementation processes to adapt the Thrive clinical pathway for all Medicaid-insured patients, including those with SMI; (2) examine utilization outcomes (ie, Thrive referral, readmission, emergency department [ED], primary, and specialty care visits) for Medicaid-insured individuals with and without SMI who receive Thrive compared with usual care; and (3) evaluate the acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, and cost-benefit of an adapted Thrive clinical pathway that is tailored for Medicaid-insured patients with co-occurring SMI. This study will use a prospective, type I hybrid effectiveness-implementation, stepped-wedge, cluster randomized controlled trial design. We will randomize the initiation of Thrive referrals at the unit level. Data collection will occur over 24 months. Inclusion criteria for Thrive referral include individuals who (1) are Medicaid insured, dually enrolled in Medicaid and Medicare, or Medicaid eligible; (2) reside in Philadelphia; (3) are admitted for a medical diagnosis for over 24 hours at the study hospital; (4) are planned for discharge to home; (5) agree to receive home care services; and (6) are aged ≥18 years. Primary analyses will use a mixed-effects negative binomial regression model to evaluate readmission and ED utilization, comparing those with and without SMI who receive Thrive to those with and without SMI who receive usual care. Using a convergent parallel mixed methods design, analyses will be conducted simultaneously for the survey and interview data of patients, clinicians, and health care system leaders. The cost of Thrive will be calculated from budget monitoring data for the research budget, the cost of staff time, and average Medicaid facility fee payments. This research project was funded in October 2023. Data collection will occur from April 2024 through December 2025. Results are anticipated to be published in 2025-2027. We anticipate that patients with and without co-occurring SMI will benefit from the adapted Thrive clinical pathway. We also anticipate the adapted version of Thrive to be deemed feasible, acceptable, and appropriate by patients, clinicians, and health system leaders. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06203509; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06203509. DERR1-10.2196/64575.

Cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis of a nurse-led, transitional care model to improve care coordination for patients with cardiovascular diseases: results from the "Cardiolotse" study.

To assess the 12-month cost-effectiveness of the nurse-led transitional care program "Cardiolotse" (CL) for patients with cardiovascular diseases compared to usual care (UC). A cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) and cost-utility analysis (CUA) were conducted from the perspective of statutory health insurance (SHI), covering a time horizon of 12 months. Analyzed outcomes included the number of rehospitalizations and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Total costs comprised program costs and the utilization of healthcare resources. Point estimates are presented as incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) and incremental cost-utility ratios (ICURs). Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were conducted to illustrate uncertainty and provide insights into the impact mechanisms of the CL program. The study population consisted of 2550 patients, with 1256 allocated to the intervention group and 1294 to the control group. Patients who received support from CLs experienced fewer rehospitalizations and lower inpatient costs from an SHI perspective, compared to the UC group. HRQoL assessments indicated higher utility values for CL patients at the 12-month follow-up. Total program costs amounted to €1454.65 per patient. The CEA and CUA demonstrate that the CL program is dominant compared to UC from the SHI perspective. Our study shows that the CL program not only reduces the number of rehospitalizations and costs but increases HRQoL, resulting in a dominant ICER and ICUR. Further research is necessary to evaluate longer periods of time, different levels of care intensity, and perspectives of different healthcare stakeholders. German Clinical Trial Register DRKS00020424, 2020-06-18, retrospectively registered.

Transitional Care Program in Reducing Acute Hospital Utilization in Singapore.

(1) Background: The evidence to support transitional care in reducing acute hospital utilization is variable. Despite changes in the healthcare landscape with a rapidly aging population, there is a lack of local and regional studies to evaluate the effectiveness of transitional home care programs. This study investigates whether a transitional home care program delivered by an acute tertiary hospital can reduce acute hospital utilization. (2) Methods: A pre-post design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. A total of 2004 enrolments from 1679 unique patients that fulfilled the criteria of enrolment were included. The transitional care program is delivered through telephone follow-up and home visits. The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test was used to assess the differences between the three periods of baseline, enrolment, and post-enrolment. (3) Results: All 2004 enrolments were analyzed. The re-attendances at the emergency department reduced significantly by 31.2% and 71.9% during enrolment and post-enrolment (p < 0.001), respectively. Similarly, patients had a 38.7% and 76.2% reduction in hospital admissions during enrolment and post-enrolment (p < 0.001), respectively. For patients who were admitted, there was no significant difference in the length of stay between these groups (p = 0.23). (4) Conclusions: The transitional home care program can effectively reduce emergency department re-attendances and inpatient admissions. Not only was the total number of emergency department re-attendances reduced significantly, but the number of frequent re-attendances also dropped significantly. The outcomes were consistent during COVID-19 and post-pandemic phases. These findings can be used as a guide in program planning and future scalability.

The effects of a dyadic empowerment-based heart failure management (De-HF) programme on self-care and HRQL : a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background The ever-growing epidemiology of heart failure (HF) and its detrimental impacts on patients’ quality of life and healthcare cost urge for effective interventions to ameliorate the modifiable prognostic factors. As substantial evidence suggests ineffective self-care as an important candidate especially for the post-discharge outcomes, various care approaches are developed to optimize this behavioral outcome. However, even family carers are heavily involved in the self-care process, dyadic approach to improve the health outcomes of both interactive partners are least applied in the HF transitional care model. Purpose To evaluate the effects of a dyadic empowerment-based heart failure management program (De-HF) on dyadic health and hospital service utilization outcomes. Methods This double-blind RCT randomized 88 HF patient-carer dyads to receive the De-HF program or a dialectic education program, after hospital discharge. Based on the Theory of Dyadic Illness Management, the 16-week De-HF Program, comprising i) a dyadic assessment, ii) five online empowerment modules and iii) follow-up telecare, integrated explicit strategies (scenario-based training, teach-back and goal-setting) to actively engage the care dyads in collaborative disease management. Figure 1 is the graphical presentation of the De-HF Program. The primary outcome is health-related quality of life (HRQL) of the care dyads. Secondary outcomes include patients’ self-care as well as shared care and perceived control of the dyad. Results The mean age of the HF patients was 76.8 (9.4). The patients were in moderate disease severity [NYHA II/II: 56/44%; mean LVEF = 42.5%]. Figure 2 shows the consort flow diagram. After adjusting the socio-demographic characteristic, two-way analysis of covariance showed that patients in the De-HF program showed significantly greater improvement in patients’ self-care domains [Mean difference in change of score (95% CI): Self-care maintenance = 7.15 (1.82-12.46),Cohen’s d = 0.26, p=0.009; Self-care management = 10.04(3.29-16.79), Cohen’s d=0.65, p=0.004; symptom perception = 15.59 (8.20-22.98), Cohen’s d=0.928, p&amp;lt;0.001] and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure score [Mean different in the change of score (95% CI) = -11.45 (-18.24 - -4.66). Cohen’s d = -0.742, p=0.001]. The patient-carer dyads also have significantly greater improvement in perceived control (p=0.001) and collaborative disease management in terms of joint decision-making (p=0.001) and sense of reciprocity (p=0.026). Conclusion Dyadic science has evolved in self-care research for HF. This trial provides the first evidence to inform the positive effects of a theory-based dyadic transitional care program in improving the collaborative self-care management in a family context and patient health outcome. Longer-term evaluation on the effects of De-HF program on health service utilization outcomes and cost-effectiveness will be followed.The De-HF Managment ProgramThe Consort Flow Diagram

Female breast cancer survivor narratives on paths to healing after the conclusion of primary treatment: A qualitative study.

Female breast cancer survivors (BCS) experience different paths to healing after the conclusion of primary treatment. This study sought to describe the experiences of female BCS in the months and years after primary treatment by determining how and when healing happens, as well as what healing means to BCS. A qualitative approach was used through thematic analysis of data collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews from 17 female BCS. Data analysis identified four major themes: (i) the process of finishing treatment and continuity of care, (ii) support systems for BCS, (iii) self-efficacy and personal accountability, and (iv) the social transition after cancer. Factors that affect the healing of BCS can be conceptualized as external or personal. Participants found that barriers to healing created by external factors were addressed by improved coordination of care and high-involvement transition programs as opposed to conversational support groups. Barriers created by personal factors were mitigated through organically formed support systems and promotion of self-efficacy and resilience. Participants expressed a desire for a shift in mainstream discourse to better reflect their experiences. Each BCS conceptualized survivorship differently, with some seeing a clear end to healing, and others who viewed it as a lifelong process. Understanding the many paths to healing taken by BCS after concluding primary treatment, as well as common barriers to and catalysts for healing, can aid providers in addressing patient needs based on their individual experiences.

Effectiveness of the 5As Model-Based Transitional Care Program among Chinese Patients with Type B Aortic Dissection Post-TEVAR: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Thoracic aortic endovascular repair (TEVAR) is the primary treatment for Stanford type B aortic dissection (type B AD). However, patients often encounter significant difficulties post-TEVAR that endanger their safety when transitioning from hospital- to home-based care. Moreover, information on the ideal transitional care for patients with type B AD post-TEVAR is scarce in China. This single-masked randomized clinical trial aimed to assess the effectiveness of the Assess, Advise, Agree, Assist, and Arrange (5As) model-based transitional care in improving discharge preparation level and transitional care quality post-TEVAR among patients with type B AD in China. This study was conducted at a hospital in China between January 2021 and October 2021. Patients with type B AD were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. Participants in the intervention group received the 5As model-based transitional nursing care. The 5As model is an evidence-based intervention strategy comprising: (1) Assess: assessing the preoperative cardiovascular risk behavior of patients with AD. (2) Advise: making suggestions according to the risk behaviors of the patients. (3) Agree: reaching a consensus on goals and action plans by making decisions with the patients and their families. (4) Assist: assisting patients in solving obstacles to implementing health plans. (5) Arrange: arranging follow-up visits according to the actual situation of the patients and guiding them in adhering to a schedule. The control group received the usual nursing care for the same duration and number of follow-up visits. A trained research nurse collected all the baseline data of the patients on admission, assessed discharge readiness level (using the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale) on the day of discharge, and collected transitional quality of care (by the Care Transition Measure-15) data on day 30 after discharge. Overall, 72 patients with type B AD were recruited. Discharge readiness level and transitional care quality in the intervention group were significantly superior to those in the control group. This study showed that the 5As model-based transitional care program can effectively promote discharge readiness and transitional care quality of patients with type B AD post-TEVAR. The Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Center: ChiCTR2200060797 (https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=167403).

Enhancing Transitions of Care: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study on the Role of Clinical Pharmacists in Transition Management in a Latin American Hospital.

Background The seamless management of transitions of care (TOC) is necessary for patient safety, as it directly correlates with a heightened risk of medication errors and adverse effects. Clinical pharmacists emerge as key stakeholders in optimizing medication management during TOC, specifically during hospital admission and discharge, through the implementation of innovative programs that contribute significantly to the mitigation of medication errors and improve patient satisfaction. Aim This study aims to assess the benefits of pharmacist-led interventions in a Costa Rican private hospital's TOC program for polymedicated and high-risk patients during admission and discharge by identifying and addressing medication errors. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Clínica Biblica Hospital in San José, Costa Rica, from February 2022 to May 2023 and focused on polymedicated patients with chronic therapy and high-risk medications. The TOC Medication Program was specifically implemented to focus on medication reconciliation during the admission and discharge processes. A clinical pharmacist documented interventions based on discrepancies found within each patient's medication and assessed the economic impact of interventions on healthcare personnel during discharge by projecting potential complications in the absence of such interventions, a process that was validated by an internist physician. Results During the medication reconciliation at admission, medication discrepancies, mostly intentional omissions, were successfully addressed by clinical pharmacist interventions with a 90.2% acceptance rate during the admission process. At discharge, 18.9% of medications were high-risk, and nearly 40% of discharges were linked to drug-related problems (DRPs), prompting pharmaceutical interventions. The economic analysis indicated potential savings of $21,010.20 during discharge, demonstrating the substantial impact of interventions in preventing emergency service visits, specialist consults, and hospital admissions. Conclusion Pharmacist-led TOC programs offer important clinical advantages by effectively preventing and rectifying medication discrepancies. These discrepancies, if left unaddressed, pose a potential threat to patient safety. Moreover, the implementation of such programs demonstrates promising economic benefits.

A transitional care program in a technologically monitored in‐hospital facility reduces the length of hospital stay and improves multidimensional frailty in older patients: a Randomized Clinical Trial

BackgroundLonger length of hospital stay (LOS) negatively affects the organizational efficiency of public health systems and both clinical and functional aspects of older patients. Data on the effects of transitional care programs based on multicomponent interventions to reduce LOS of older patients are scarce and controversial.AimsThe PRO‐HOME study aimed to assess the efficacy in reducing LOS of a transitional care program involving a multicomponent intervention inside a technologically monitored in‐hospital discharge facility.MethodsThis is a Randomized Clinical Trial on 60 patients (≥65 years), deemed stable and dischargeable from the Acute Geriatrics Unit, equally assigned to the Control Group (CG) or Intervention Group (IG). The latter underwent a multicomponent intervention including lifestyle educational program, cognitive and physical training. At baseline, multidimensional frailty according to the Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI), and Health‐Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) were assessed in both groups, along with physical capacities for the IG. Enrolled subjects were evaluated after 6 months of follow‐up to assess multidimensional frailty, HRQOL, and re‐hospitalization, institutionalization, and death rates.ResultsThe IG showed a significant 2‐day reduction in LOS (median days IG = 2 (2–3) vs. CG = 4 (3–6); p < 0.001) and an improvement in multidimensional frailty at 6 months compared to CG (median score IG = 0.25(0.25–0.36) vs. CG = 0.38(0.31–0.45); p = 0.040). No differences were found between the two groups in HRQOL, and re‐hospitalization, institutionalization, and death rates.DiscussionMultidimensional frailty is a reversible condition that can be improved by reduced LOS.ConclusionsThe PRO‐HOME transitional care program reduces LOS and multidimensional frailty in hospitalized older patients.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov n. NCT06227923 (retrospectively registered on 29/01/2024).

PRADOC: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial to Assess the Efficiency of PRADO-IC, a Nationwide Pragmatic Transition Care Management Plan for Hospitalized Patients With Heart Failure in France.

The PRADO-IC (Programme de Retour à Domicile après une Insuffisance Cardiaque) is a transition care program designed to improve the coordination of care between hospital and home that was generalized in France in 2014. The PRADO-IC consists of an administrative assistant who visits patients during hospitalization to schedule follow-up visits. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the PRADO-IC program based on the hypotheses provided by health authorities. The PRADOC study is a multicenter, controlled, randomized, open-label, mixed-method trial of the transition program PRADO-IC versus usual management in patients hospitalized with heart failure (standard of care group; NCT03396081). A total of 404 patients were recruited between April 2018 and May 2021. The mean patient age was 75 years (±12 years) in both groups. The 2 groups were well balanced regarding severity indices. At discharge, patients homogeneously received the recommended drugs. There was no difference between groups regarding hospitalizations for acute heart failure at 1 year, with 24.60% in the standard of care group and 25.40% in the PRADO-IC group during the year following the index hospitalization (hazard ratio, 1.04 [95% CI, 0.69-1.56]; P=0.85) or cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.34-1.31]; P=0.24). The PRADO-IC has not significantly improved clinical outcomes, though a trend toward reduced cardiovascular mortality is evident. These results will help in understanding how transitional care programs remain to be integrated in pathways of current patients, including telemonitoring, and to better tailor individualized approaches. URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique Identifier: NCT03396081.

Can we do better supporting young adults with cerebral palsy as they navigate adulthood? A review of current and future transitional practices.

Patients with cerebral palsy (CP) face lifelong consequences of their condition, and their healthcare needs evolve as they age. Transitional care for these patients is not universally available and various models have been described. In this article, the authors review the current literature surrounding transitional care for patients with CP, focusing predominantly on the neurosurgical aspects of transitional care, and they describe current approaches adopted by programs in North America. They further describe their own experience developing a transitional care clinic for patients with CP, as well as the integration of this program with a multidisciplinary clinic to address the specific challenges that growing patients face in our region. The authors performed a literature review to identify models, barriers, and assessments of effective transitional care for CP patients. They also reviewed the recommendations of various professional societies regarding transitional care practices. They performed qualitative analysis of the relevant literature. Transitional care has been broadly categorized into transitional care clinics with multidisciplinary teams and facilitator-led transitional care. CP patients have to overcome a variety of barriers, including those from within the healthcare system as well as environmental and personal, during the period of their transition. These challenges are all interconnected, and navigation requires healthcare professionals to work closely with patients and their caregivers. Multiple instruments are described to measure successful transition, which is likely a reflection of the unique needs that a patient may require. Current guidelines recommend that neurosurgeons select a suitable model of care based on their own local practice and available services, develop a well-defined transition plan, and identify a primary transition facilitator or care coordinator. Providing effective transitional care to CP patients remains challenging given the different models of care and the barriers faced by them during the period of transition. In developing a transitional care program for these patients, attention must be given to the resources that are available regionally, with an effort to incorporate the best practices from successful transitional care programs.

Paramedic-Assisted Community Evaluation After Discharge: The PACED Intervention

ObjectivesEarly rehospitalization of frail older adults after hospital discharge is harmful to patients and challenging to hospitals. Mobile integrated health (MIH) programs may be an effective solution for delivering community-based transitional care. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and implementation of an MIH transitional care program. DesignPilot clinical trial of a transitional home visit conducted by MIH paramedics within 72 hours of hospital discharge. Setting and ParticipantsPatients aged ≥65 years discharged from an urban hospital with a system-adapted eFrailty index ≥0.24 were eligible to participate. MethodsParticipants were enrolled after hospital discharge. Demographic and clinical information were recorded at enrollment and 30 days after discharge from the electronic health record. Data from a comparison group of patients excluded from enrollment due to geographical location was also abstracted. Primary outcomes were intervention feasibility and implementation, which were reported descriptively. Exploratory clinical outcomes included emergency department (ED) visits and rehospitalization within 30 days. Categorical and continuous group comparisons were conducted using χ2 tests and Kruskal-Wallis testing. Binomial regression was used for comparative outcomes. ResultsOne hundred of 134 eligible individuals (74.6%) were enrolled (median age 81, 64% female). Forty-seven participants were included in the control group (median age 80, 55.2% female). The complete protocol was performed in 92 (92.0%) visits. Paramedics identified acute clinical problems in 23 (23.0%) visits, requested additional services for participants during 34 (34.0%) encounters, and detected medication errors during 34 (34.0%). The risk of 30-day rehospitalization was lower in the Paramedic-Assisted Community Evaluation after Discharge (PACED) group compared with the control (RR, 0.40; CI, 0.19–0.84; P = .03); there was a trend toward decreased risk of 30-day ED visits (RR, 0.61; CI, 0.37–1.37; P = .23). Conclusions and ImplicationsThis pilot study of an MIH transition care program was feasible with high protocol fidelity. It yields preliminary evidence demonstrating a decreased risk of rehospitalization in frail older adults.

Benefits of a family-based care transition program for older adults after hip fracture surgery

BackgroundHip fracture (HF) in older adults is strongly associated with a greater decline in their activities of daily living (ADLs) and health-related (HRQoL). The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of a family-based care transition program (FBCTP) on ADLs, HRQoL and social support in this age group after HF surgery.MethodsA quasi-experimental design was conducted on 100 older adults who had undergone HFS and were selected by convenience sampling and allocated to the IG (n = 50) and the CG (n = 50). Data were collected utilizing the Barthel Index, the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. The FBCTP was delivered in-hospital education sessions, home visit, and a follow-up and telephone counselling session. The data were collected at three stages, including the baseline, four weeks after discharge, and eight weeks later. The level of statistical significance was set at 0.05.ResultsThe results of the study indicated that the effects of time and group on the increase in ADLs were 15.2 and 36.69 (p < 0.000), respectively, following the completion of the FBCTP. Furthermore, time and group were found to have a positive effect on HRQoL, with an increase of 2.82 and 5.60 units, respectively (p < 0.000). In this context, time and group also interacted in the IG compared to the CG, with scores increasing by 1.86 units over time (p < 0.000). Although the study results indicated that social support improved by 1.98 units over time (p < 0.000), the effects of group alone and the time × group interaction were not statistically significant. This indicates that the program was not effective in accelerating social support.ConclusionConsequently, nurses, policymakers, and planners engaged in geriatric healthcare may utilize these results to enhance the health status of this age group following HFS.

Ready to leave? – Adolescents’ and parents’ perceptions of transition from paediatric to adult rheumatology care

BackgroundIn Sweden, approximately 2000 children live with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). About half of them continue to have an active disease and need to transfer to adult rheumatology care. This study aimed to investigate Swedish adolescents’ and parents´ perceptions of readiness for transition from pediatric to adult rheumatology care.MethodsThe study was a cross-sectional quantitative study. Patients at the pediatric rheumatology clinic at a university hospital in Sweden and members of The Swedish National Organization for Young Rheumatics aged 14–18 and their parents were invited to participate in the study. Data was collected with the Readiness for Transition Questionnaire (RTQ) focusing on adolescents' transition readiness, adolescents' healthcare behaviors and responsibility, and parental involvement. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Comparative analyses were made using non-parametric tests with significance levels of 0.05 as well as factor analyses and logistic regression.ResultsThere were 106 adolescents (85 girls, 20 boys) and 96 parents answering the RTQ. The analysis revealed that many adolescents and parents experienced that the adolescents were ill-prepared to take over responsibility for several healthcare behaviors, such as booking specialty care appointments, calling to renew prescriptions and communicating with medical staff on phone and to transfer to adult care. Parents and adolescents alike stated that it was especially difficult for the adolescents to take responsibility for healthcare behaviors meaning that the adolescents had to have direct interaction with the healthcare professionals (HCPs) at the paediatric rheumatology clinic, for example to renew prescriptions. It was evident that the adolescents who perceived they were ready to take responsibility for the aspects related to direct interaction with HCPs were more overall ready to be transferred to adult care.ConclusionAdolescents need more support to feel prepared to transfer to adult care. With the results from this study, we can develop, customize, and optimize transitional care programs in Sweden for adolescents.

A Hospice Transitions Program for Patients in the Emergency Department

Patients often visit the emergency department (ED) near the end of life. Their common disposition is inpatient hospital admission, which can result in a delayed transition to hospice care and, ultimately, an inpatient hospital death that may be misaligned with their goals of care. To assess the association of hospice use with a novel multidisciplinary hospice program to rapidly identify and enroll eligible patients presenting to the ED near end of life. This pre-post quality improvement study of a novel, multifaceted care transitions program involving a formalized pathway with email alerts, clinician training, hospice vendor expansion, metric creation, and data tracking was conducted at a large, urban tertiary care academic medical center affiliated with a comprehensive cancer center among adult patients presenting to the ED near the end of life. The control period before program launch was from September 1, 2018, to January 31, 2020, and the intervention period after program launch was from August 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022. The primary outcome was a transition to hospice without hospital admission and/or hospice admission within 96 hours of the ED visit. Secondary outcomes included length of stay and in-hospital mortality. This study included 270 patients (median age, 74.0 years [IQR, 62.0-85.0 years]; 133 of 270 women [49.3%]) in the control period, and 388 patients (median age, 73.0 years [IQR, 60.0-84.0 years]; 208 of 388 women [53.6%]) in the intervention period, identified as eligible for hospice transition within 96 hours of ED arrival. In the control period, 61 patients (22.6%) achieved the primary outcome compared with 210 patients (54.1%) in the intervention period (P < .001). The intervention was associated with the primary outcome after adjustment for age, race and ethnicity, primary payer, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and presence of a Medical Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) (adjusted odds ratio, 5.02; 95% CI, 3.17-7.94). In addition, the presence of a MOLST was independently associated with hospice transition across all groups (adjusted odds ratio, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.18-2.99). There was no significant difference between the control and intervention periods in inpatient length of stay (median, 2.0 days [IQR, 1.1-3.0 days] vs 1.9 days [IQR, 1.1-3.0 days]; P = .84), but in-hospital mortality was lower in the intervention period (48.5% [188 of 388] vs 64.4% [174 of 270]; P < .001). In this quality improvement study, a multidisciplinary program to facilitate ED patient transitions was associated with hospice use. Further investigation is needed to examine the generalizability and sustainability of the program.

The effects of a hospital-to-home care transition program on perceived stress and readiness for hospital discharge in mothers of children with congenital heart disease undergoing corrective surgery

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a hospital-to-home care transition (H2H-CT) program on perceived stress and readiness for hospital discharge (RHD) in mothers of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) undergoing corrective surgery. MethodsThis study used a quasi-experimental design and involved 78 mother-child dyads, 40 dyads in the intervention group and 38 dyads in the control group, who were affected by CHD undergoing corrective surgery. The participants received the H2H-CT program, which consisted of six face-to-face training sessions during hospitalization and six telephone counselling sessions. For perceived stress, data were collected at four intervals, including baseline, immediately, one month and three months after completion of the intervention. For RHD, data were collected at two times: baseline and immediately after the intervention. ResultsThe results demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the mean perceived stress score in mothers of children with CHD in intervention group before, immediately, four weeks and eight weeks after H2H-CT (P < 0.001). The results also indicated a significant increase in the mean RHD score in the intervention group following H2H-CT (P < 0.001). ConclusionThe H2H-CT program was found to be an effective intervention in reducing perceived stress and increasing RHD in mothers of children with CHD who undergoing corrective surgery. Implications to practiceThe results can be used by the nursing planners, nursing instructors, and pediatric nurses to use the results to enhance the mental health of mothers and enable them to provide quality care at home.

Feasibility of BrainSTORM, a Traumatic Brain Injury Transitional Care Intervention.

To investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and clinical outcome measures of a transitional care intervention for patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and their family caregivers. Inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation at a level I trauma center in the Southeastern United States. Patients (ages 18-75) diagnosed with moderate to severe TBI, receiving rehabilitation, and their family caregivers. Quasi-experimental, single-arm, single-center feasibility study with pre- and post-test design. Participants completed a 4-month transitional care program involving monthly education and social support. Feasibility of enrollment, data collection, intervention completion rates, and intervention acceptability. Clinical outcome measures included patient quality of life (QOL) (12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), primary outcome) and patient and caregiver self-efficacy (Self-Efficacy for Management of Chronic Conditions Scale). Eleven dyads and 1 monad enrolled (N=23, 12 patients, 11 caregivers). All completed baseline data; 91.3% (n=21, 11 patients, 10 caregivers) completed 2-month (intervention midpoint) data; and 86% (n=20, 11 patients, 9 caregivers) completed 4-month (intervention endpoint) data. The intervention completion rate was 91.67%. Participants engaged in a mean of 2.17 (SD=1.34) monthly educational webinars and 2.42 (SD=1.51) social support groups during the intervention period. Approximately 70% of participants (n=16, 9 patients, 7 caregivers) completed acceptability data, indicating positive intervention experiences (patients: mean 9.44/10 [SD=1.01]; caregivers: mean 9.57/10 [SD=0.79]). Patient QOL scores did not statistically improve over time; however, patient self-efficacy scores did statistically significantly improve from baseline (mean=7.03, SD=1.53; P =.0197) to intervention end point (4months) (mean=8.35, SD=1.71). Brain Injury Support To Optimize Recovering Minds (BrainSTORM) is a promising new TBI transitional care intervention that has potential to enhance care standards for patients with TBI and their family caregivers. Further research is needed to determine its efficacy.

A scoping review of hospital to home transitional care programmes for stroke survivors.

The study was aimed at exploring the current scope of hospital to home transitional care programmes for stroke survivors. Stroke survivors face the dilemma of solving many complex problems that leave survivors at high risk for readmission as they discharge from hospital. The transitional care model has proved to be effective in reducing readmissions and mortality, thereby improving health outcomes and enhancing patient satisfaction for survivors with stroke. A scoping review. Conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Methodology for Scoping Reviews. A comprehensive search was conducted in nine databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CINAHL, Medline, China Knowledge Net-work, Wanfang Database and China Biomedical Literature Database (SinoMed) from January 2014 to June 2023. Title and abstract screening was performed on 10,171 articles resulting in 287 articles for full-text screening. Full-text screening yielded 49 articles that met inclusion criteria. This study identified transitional care programmes for stroke survivors, as well as areas for future consideration to be explored in more depth to help improve transitional care for stroke survivors as they transition from hospital to home. This study demonstrates that multidisciplinary collaboration becomes an integral part of the transitional care model for stroke survivors, which provides comprehensive and precise medical care to them. PRISMA checklist for scoping reviews. No patient or public contribution was part of this study.

ERS statement on transition of care in childhood interstitial lung diseases.

Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are a heterogeneous group of rare diffuse diseases affecting the lung parenchyma in children and adults. Childhood interstitial lung diseases (chILD) are often diagnosed at very young age, affect the developing lung, and can have different presentations and prognosis compared to adult forms of these diseases. In addition, chILD in many cases may apparently remit, and have a better response to therapy and better prognosis than adult ILD. Many affected children will reach adulthood with minimal activity or clinical remission of the disease. They need continuing care and follow-up from childhood to adulthood if the disease persists and progresses over time, but also if they are asymptomatic and in full remission. Therefore, for every chILD patient an active transition process from paediatric to adult care should be guaranteed. This European Respiratory Society (ERS) statement provides a review of the literature and current practice concerning transition of care in chILD. It draws on work in existing transition care programmes in other chronic respiratory diseases, disease-overarching transition-of-care programmes, evidence on the impact of these programmes on clinical outcomes, current evidence regarding long-term remission of chILD as well as the lack of harmonisation between the current adult ILD and chILD classifications impacting on transition of care. While the transition system is well established in several chronic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis or diabetes mellitus, we could not find sufficient published evidence on transition systems in chILD. This statement summarises current knowledge, but cannot yet provide evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice.

Transitional care for older persons with need of geriatric rehabilitation nursing interventions

BackgroundThe literature review notes that people in need of care from Rehabilitation Programs do not always see their continuity ensured.ObjectiveThis study aim to analyze the perspective of Specialists Nurse in Rehabilitation Nursing in relation to the organization and specialized intervention of transitional care for older people in need of rehabilitation programs.MethodsThis is a qualitative study within the interpretivist paradigm. A focus group with 8 nurses and 13 interviews with Portuguese nurses were carried out between April 2022 and February 2023. Content analysis was carried out.ResultsThe triangulation of the data made it possible to identify 3 categories: Coordination of a transitional care program; Empowering the person to self-manage the transitional care process and Empowering the Informal Caregiver. ConclusionsIt is imperative to promote the coordination of transitional care, increase the functional capacity of the person and empower the informal caregiver.

Leveraging User-Friendly Mobile Medical Devices to Facilitate Early Hospital Discharges in a Pediatric Setting: A Randomized Trial Study Protocol.

Mobile technology is increasingly prevalent in healthcare, serving various purposes, including remote health monitoring and patient self-management, which could prove beneficial to early hospital discharges. This study investigates the transitional care program experience facilitating early discharges in a pediatric setting through the use of an easy-to-use mobile medical device (TytoCare™, TytoCare Ltd., Natanya, Israel). This study aims to assess the effectiveness of telehomecare in achieving complete resolution of diseases without readmission, compare the length of stay between intervention and standard care groups, and gather user and professional experiences. A randomized open-label, controlled pilot study enrolled 102 children, randomly assigned to the telehomecare (TELE) group (n = 51, adopting early hospital discharge with continued home monitoring) or the standard-of-care (STAND) group (n = 51). Primary outcomes include complete disease resolution without readmission. Secondary objectives include recording a shorter length of stay in the intervention group. Surveys on user and professional experiences were conducted. A group of 51 children declining telemedicine services (NO-TELE) was also included. In the TELE group, 100% of children achieved complete disease resolution without readmission, with a median duration of stay of 4 days, significantly shorter than the 7 days in the STAND group (p = 0.01). The telemedicine system demonstrated efficient performance and high satisfaction levels. The NO-TELE group showed no significant differences in demographics or digital technology competence. Perceived benefits of telemedicine included time and cost savings, reduced hospital stays, and technology utility and usability. This study demonstrates that user-friendly mobile medical devices effectively facilitate early hospital discharges in a pediatric setting. These devices serve as a bridge between home and hospital, optimizing care pathways.