Post-hospital Discharge Research Articles

A nurse-led Asthma Care Team transitioning patients from hospital to home improves asthma control: A pilot study exploring an alternative model of care.

Recurrent asthma admissions are frequent in our patients at a tertiary Australian hospital and are commonly related to poor health literacy and medication adherence. A need exists to improve these asthma self-management skills within our current model of care, especially during the vulnerable postdischarge period. To examine if the addition of a nurse-led Asthma Care Transition Team (ACTT) compared with usual care alone (UC) (1) improves asthma control at 12 weeks posthospital discharge; the number of patients using a Written Action Plan (WAP), compliance with inhaler therapy at 12 weeks, and readmission rates at 6months. Adults admitted with asthma were randomised to either: UC: involving review of asthma medication and self-management skills by the ward team prior to discharge; a standard 6-week post discharge clinic visit and a 12-week study visit where an independent assessor assessed outcomes; or ACTT: In addition to UC, involved ACTT nurse-led review at 1week and 6 weeks. Key aspects included a pre defined, structured review reinforcing education and self-management skills, and telephone support during working hours. Sixty participants (UC and ACTT) had similar baseline characteristics: Mean age: 41 vs 38 years, asthma duration: 20 vs 18 years, baseline Asthma Control Questionnaire 3.1 vs 3.4. At 12 weeks Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) improved significantly in both groups but more so with ACTT; ACTT group had a higher uptake of WAP and a trend to reduced readmissions. A nurse-led ACTT improves asthma control and self-management skills following discharge and may lead to fewer readmissions.

A review of pathophysiological mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment of thrombosis risk associated with COVID-19 infection.

Severe coronavirus (COVID-19) infection has been reportedly associated with a high risk of thromboembolism. Developing macrovascular thrombotic complications, including myocardial injury/infarction, venous thromboembolism, and stroke have been observed in one-third of severe COVID-19 hospitalized patients, leading to an increase in mortality and morbidity. The diagnosis of COVID-19 associated coagulopathy may be challenging because there are close similarities between pulmonary embolism and severe COVID-19 disease. Therefore, a critical step in improving the clinical outcome of patients with hospitalized COVID-19 is the recognition of coagulation abnormalities and the identification of patients with poor prognoses, prophylactic guidance, or antithrombotic therapy. Prescribing anticoagulants in all patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and 2–6 weeks post-hospital discharge in the absence of contraindications is recommended by most consensus documents published on behalf of professional societies. However, a decision on some variable factors such as intensity and duration of anticoagulation may be made based on an individual case and needs future randomized trial studies. Regarding little information on this subject, this study aims to review how inflammation and thrombosis are related to COVID-19 patients, discuss the types of thrombosis in these patients, and summarize the diagnosis and treatment of thrombosis in COVID19 patients.

Thromboprophylaxis in surgically treated colorectal cancer patients with tinzaparin: Intermediate results from the Onco-CAST trial.

e15611 Background: The incidence of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE) after colorectal surgery is approximately 29% and 1.6% respectively. The incidence of asymptomatic postoperative DVT in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients has been reported as high as 20%, even under thromboprophylaxis. Thus, thromboprophylaxis after surgical treatment for CRC is crucial. Latest guidelines from International Initiative on Thrombosis and Cancer (ITAC 2019) recommend use of highest prophylactic dose of Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH). Methods: Onco-CAST is a prospective, phase IV, observational, non-interventional cohort study evaluating a) current management approach for CRC surgical prophylaxis and b) efficacy and safety of tinzaparin at 8.000 Anti-Xa IU, once daily (OD), for at least one month post hospital discharge. Patients enrolled after signing informed consent. Onco-CAST was conducted by the Hellenic Society of Coloproctology. Results: Results from 175 CRC patients from 9 Onco Surgical Clinics are reported. Participation completed 79% of patients at report time: 66% males, 67±12 years, BMI: 27.4±5.5. Histology: adenocarcinomas NOS 81%, mucinous adenocarcinomas 9%, small cell neuroendocrine carcinomas 2%, and others. High grade differentiation indicated: 26% and 5% metastatic. 32% treated with right hemicolectomy, 20% with low anterior resection, 12% with sigmoid colectomy, 9% with abdominal-perineal resection, 9% with left hemicolectomy and other methods. 67% treated open and 33% laparoscopic while the median number of lymph nodes dissected for left and right hemicolectomy was 32.5 (Q1-Q3:26-38) and 24 (Q1-Q3: 14.5-32), p = 0.0253. Factors related to thrombosis risk are presented in table, notably, 95% of patients accumulated ≥3 risk factors. Median thromboprophylaxis duration with tinzaparin 8.000 Anti-Xa IU, OD, was: 37 days (1st-3rd quartile: 33-45 days). Three thrombotic events occurred (efficacy 98.3%, 95% CI: 95.1-99.4%), one DVT+PE, one DVT and one due to Central Venous Catheter (CVC). Eight patients experienced bleeding events (4.6%, 95%CI: 2.3-8.8%), 3 minor, 3 major and 2 CNMB, 2 had a possible relation to thromboprophylaxis (1.1%, 95%CI: 0.3-4.1%). Conclusions: Thromboprophylaxis in Surgically Treated Colorectal Cancer Patients with Tinzaparin intermediate dose seems safe and efficient approach.[Table: see text]

173-OR: Associations between Post-Discharge Care (PDC) and Cognitive Impairment-Related Hospital Readmissions for Ketoacidosis and Severe Hypoglycemia in Adults with Diabetes

Cognitive Impairment (CI) is associated with an increased risk of ketoacidosis (DKA) and severe hypoglycemia (SH) in persons with diabetes (DM) . Post-discharge Care (PDC) in nursing homes and home care facilities provides continuous medical care after hospital discharges. This study examined whether PDC is associated with lower CI-related hospital readmission for DKA and SH in US adults with DM (age >18) . Our study population includes 43,467 and 166,221 adults admitted for DKA and SH from the 2016-2018 National Readmission Database, among which 1492 (3.43%) and 822 (0.49%) had CI, respectively. Readmission was defined as hospitalization for all causes within 30 days after discharge. CI-related readmission risk was estimated by comparing those with and without CI using a multiple logistic regression model, adjusting for age, sex, primary payer, income level, disease severity, mortality risk at the index discharge, and PDC status. PDC as an effect modulator was tested as an interaction term of PDC and CI. For patients initially admitted for DKA, CI was associated with 62% (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) =1.62, 1.25-2.11) higher odds of readmission among those who were discharged to home. The CI-related increase in readmission risk disappeared if patients received PDC (aOR=1.05, 0.88-1.26) . For patients initially admitted for SH, CI was associated with 34% (aOR=1.34, 95% CI 1.08-1.66) higher odds of readmission among those discharged to home and a 32% lower odds of readmission if patients received PDC (aOR=0.68, 0.59-0.81) . CI was associated with increased readmission risks for SH and DKA among adults with DM discharged to home. This CI-related readmission risk was substantially lower in patients who received PDC, indicating the importance of PDC for people with DM and CI. Disclosure Y.Wang: None. P.Zhang: None. R.R.Fang: None. J.D.Brown: None. T.Jiao: None. J.Guo: None. H.Shao: Board Member; BRAVO4HEALTH, LLC.

Delirium and health-related quality of life in severe COVID-19 survivors

IntroductionSevere COVID-19 survivors experience long-term neuropsychiatric morbidity, particularly those who developed delirium, with a negative impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL).ObjectivesTo identify the cases of delirium in severe COVID-19 patients and to describe its association with post-hospital discharge HRQoL.MethodsIn the context of the longitudinal MAPA project, we included adult patients (≥ 18 years old) admitted with COVID-19 to the Intensive Care Medicine Department (ICMD) of a Portuguese University Hospital (October 2020-April 2021). Exclusion criteria were: ICMD length of stay ≤24h, terminal illness, major auditory loss, or inability to communicate at the time of assessment. Delirium during ICMD stay was ascertained based on patients’ clinical records. HRQoL was evaluated using the 5-Level EQ-5D questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L), at a scheduled telephone follow-up appointment on average 1-2 months after hospital discharge.ResultsOverall, 124 patients were included with a median age of 62 (range: 24-86) years, being mostly male (65%). About 19% had delirium, 42% were deeply sedated and 43% required invasive mechanical ventilation. Most survivors reported problems on the EQ-5D-5L domains: usual activities (85%), mobility (73%) and anxiety/depression (65%). Patients with delirium reported more pain/discomfort (75%vs46%; p=0.011) and considerably anxiety/depression (83%vs60%; p=0.032).ConclusionsThese findings pointed that COVID-19 patients who experienced delirium reported worse HRQoL, regarding pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. This study highlights the importance of not only prevention but also early screening of delirium during hospital stay, as well as the crucial role of the timely interventions at discharge, in order to minimize delirium long-term impacts.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

A multicentre evaluation exploring the impact of an integrated health and social care intervention for the caregivers of ICU survivors

BackgroundCaregivers and family members of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) survivors can face emotional problems following patient discharge from hospital. We aimed to evaluate the impact of a multi-centre integrated health and social care intervention, on caregiver and family member outcomes.MethodsThis study evaluated the impact of the Intensive Care Syndrome: Promoting Independence and Return to Employment (InS:PIRE) programme across 9 sites in Scotland. InS:PIRE is an integrated health and social care intervention. We compared caregivers who attended this programme with a contemporary control group of ICU caregivers (usual care cohort), who did not attend.ResultsThe primary outcome was anxiety measured via the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at 12 months post-hospital discharge. Secondary outcome measures included depression, carer strain and clinical insomnia. A total of 170 caregivers had data available at 12 months for inclusion in this study; 81 caregivers attended the InS:PIRE intervention and completed outcome measures at 12 months post-hospital discharge. In the usual care cohort of caregivers, 89 completed measures. The two cohorts had similar baseline demographics. After adjustment, those caregivers who attended InS:PIRE demonstrated a significant improvement in symptoms of anxiety (OR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.20–0.89, p = 0.02), carer strain (OR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.16–0.98 p = 0.04) and clinical insomnia (OR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.17–0.77 p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in symptoms of depression at 12 months.ConclusionsThis multicentre evaluation has shown that caregivers who attended an integrated health and social care intervention reported improved emotional health and less symptoms of insomnia, 12 months after the delivery of the intervention.

RAPT Scores Predict Inpatient Versus Outpatient Status and Readmission Rates After IPO Changes for Total Joint Arthroplasty: An Analysis of 12,348 Cases

BackgroundChanges to Medicare’s Inpatient Only List (IPO) and factors associated with the COVID pandemic have led to more total joint arthroplasty (TJA) patients to be designated as outpatient (OP). This potentially complicates postoperative care for patients with lower functional status and poor social support. These factors make the decision between OP versus inpatient (IP) designation particularly challenging for healthcare teams. The Risk Assessment and Prediction Tool (RAPT) was designed to indicate patient risk for needing posthospital discharge to facility and considers social and functional factors. The purpose of this study is to 1) evaluate the correlation of RAPT as a clinical tool to aid decision-making regarding OP versus IP for Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty (THA and TKA), 2) assess the impact of recent changes to the IPO and the COVID pandemic on OP TJA readmission rates, and 3) determine whether 90-day readmissions are correlated with RAPT scores after OP TJA. MethodsWe identified all elective TKA and THA patients from 2015 through 2021 in our electronic health record at our large, urban, academic health system. Fracture patients were excluded. For those patients with available RAPT scores, we determined OP and IP designations, with IP defined as those with length-of-stay 2 midnights or more. We performed subanalysis of OP between same-day and next-day discharge. RAPT scores and readmission rates were compared at time points related to changes in the IPO: before TKA removal in 2018 (period A), from 2018 until THA removal in 2020 (Period B), and after January 1, 2020, inclusive of impact from the COVID pandemic (Period C). ResultsReviewed were 11,819 elective TKAs and 10,212 elective THAs. RAPT scores were available for 6,759 TKA patients and 5,589 THA patients. For both TKA and THA, RAPT scores between IP, same-day, and next-day discharged OP were significantly different across all time periods (P < .001). The percentage of OP designation increased across all time periods for TKA and THA. Over these same time periods, mean RAPT scores decreased significantly for both OP TKA and OP THA (P < .01). Concurrent with these changes were significant increases in OP THA 90-day readmission rates across Periods A and B (P = .010) as well as A and C (P = .006). Readmitted OP TKA had significantly lower RAPT scores than OP TKA without readmission during Period B (P < .001). Readmitted OP THA had significantly lower RAPT scores than those without readmission for all periods (P < .05). To facilitate clinical utility, median RAPT scores were also analyzed, and showed that RAPT scores for OP THA patients with readmission were 1 to 2 points lower for all time periods. ConclusionRAPT scores correlate with IP versus OP status for both TKA and THA and vary significantly with same-day versus next-day discharge. OP TJA RAPT scores may also help predict readmission, and counsel some patients away from OP surgery. Average RAPT scores of 10, 9, and 8 appeared to be separators for same day, next day, and inpatient stay. Changes to the IPO and COVID pandemic correlate with decrease in RAPT scores for both TKA and THA patients within all designations. In addition, a shift toward lower RAPT for OP TJA correlates with increased 90-day readmission rates for OP TJA. Taken together, these results suggest that patients with poorer function and worse social support systems are increasingly being driven toward OP surgery by these changes, which may play a role in increasing readmission rates. Social support and functional factors should be considered for OP elective TKA and THA. Further, any OP TJA value-based payment system must account for these variables.

Hispanic ethnicity and mortality among critically ill patients with COVID-19.

BackgroundHispanic persons living in the United States (U.S.) are at higher risk of infection and death from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) compared with non-Hispanic persons. Whether this disparity exists among critically ill patients with COVID-19 is unknown.ObjectiveTo evaluate ethnic disparities in mortality among critically ill adults with COVID-19 enrolled in the Study of the Treatment and Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19 (STOP-COVID).MethodsMulticenter cohort study of adults with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 admitted to intensive care units (ICU) at 67 U.S. hospitals from March 4 to May 9, 2020. Multilevel logistic regression was used to evaluate 28-day mortality across racial/ethnic groups.ResultsA total of 2153 patients were included (994 [46.2%] Hispanic and 1159 [53.8%] non-Hispanic White). The median (IQR) age was 62 (51–71) years (non-Hispanic White, 66 [57–74] years; Hispanic, 56 [46–67] years), and 1462 (67.9%) were men. Compared with non-Hispanic White patients, Hispanic patients were younger; were less likely to have hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease, or heart failure; and had longer duration of symptoms prior to ICU admission. During median (IQR) follow-up of 14 (7–24) days, 785 patients (36.5%) died. In analyses adjusted for age, sex, clinical characteristics, and hospital size, Hispanic patients had higher odds of death compared with non-Hispanic White patients (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.12–1.84).ConclusionsAmong critically ill adults with COVID-19, Hispanic patients were more likely to die than non-Hispanic White patients, even though they were younger and had lower comorbidity burden. This finding highlights the need to provide earlier access to care to Hispanic individuals with COVID-19, especially given our finding of longer duration of symptoms prior to ICU admission among Hispanic patients. In addition, there is a critical need to address ongoing disparities in post hospital discharge care for patients with COVID-19.

The Impact of Initial COVID-19 Episode Inflammation Among Adults on Mortality Within 12 Months Post-hospital Discharge.

BackgroundInflammation in the initial COVID-19 episode may be associated with post-recovery mortality. The goal of this study was to determine the relationship between systemic inflammation in COVID-19 hospitalized adults and mortality after recovery from COVID-19.MethodsAn analysis of electronic health records (EHR) for patients from 1 January, 2020 through 31 December, 2021 was performed for a cohort of COVID-19 positive hospitalized adult patients. 1,207 patients were followed for 12 months post COVID-19 episode at one health system. 12-month risk of mortality associated with inflammation, C-reactive protein (CRP), was assessed in Cox regressions adjusted for age, sex, race and comorbidities. Analyses evaluated whether steroids prescribed upon discharge were associated with later mortality.ResultsElevated CRP was associated other indicators of severity of the COVID-19 hospitalization including, supplemental oxygen and intravenous dexamethasone. Elevated CRP was associated with an increased mortality risk after recovery from COVID-19. This effect was present for both unadjusted (HR = 1.60; 95% CI 1.18, 2.17) and adjusted analyses (HR = 1.61; 95% CI 1.19, 2.20) when CRP was split into high and low groups at the median. Oral steroid prescriptions at discharge were found to be associated with a lower risk of death post-discharge (adjusted HR = 0.49; 95% CI 0.33, 0.74).DiscussionHyperinflammation present with severe COVID-19 is associated with an increased mortality risk after hospital discharge. Although suggestive, treatment with anti-inflammatory medications like steroids upon hospital discharge is associated with a decreased post-acute COVID-19 mortality risk.

1-year quality of life and health-outcomes in patients hospitalised with COVID-19: a longitudinal cohort study

BackgroundPublished studies suggest physical recovery from the COVID-19 is complex, with many individuals experiencing persistent symptoms. There is a paucity of data investigating the longer-term trajectory of physical recovery from COVID-19.MethodsA prospective longitudinal design was utilised to investigate the impact COVID-19 has on physical functioning at 10-weeks (T1), 6-months (T2) and 1-year (T3) post-hospital discharge. Objective measures of recovery included 6-Minute Walk Test Distance (6MWTD), frailty (Clinical Frailty Scale), quantification of falls following hospital-discharge, return to work status and exercise levels. Subjective markers included symptoms (COVID-19-Specific Patient Concerns Assessment), fatigue (Chalder Fatigue Score) and health-related quality of life (HrQOL) [Short-Form-36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36-II)]. Univariate analysis was performed using t-test, Wilcoxon rank-sum, and Chi-squared test, paired analysis using one-way analysis of variance and Krustal Wallis testing and correlation analysis with Spearman correlation tests.ResultsSixty-one subjects participated. Assessments were conducted at a median of 55 days(T1), 242 days(T2), and 430 days(T3) following hospital-discharge. 6MWTD improved significantly overtime (F = 10.3, p < 0.001) from 365(209)m at T1 to 447(85)m at T3, however remained below population norms and with no associated improvement in perceived exertion. Approximately half (n = 27(51%)) had returned to pre-diagnosis exercise levels at T3. At least one concern/symptom was reported by 74%, 59% and 64% participants at T1, T2 and T3 respectively. Fatigue was the most frequently reported symptom at T1(40%) and T2(49%), while issues with memory/concentration was the most frequently reported at T3(49%). SF-36 scores did not change in any domain over the study period, and scores remained lower than population norms in the domains of physical functioning, energy/vitality, role limitations due to physical problems and general health. Return-to-work rates are low, with 55% of participants returning to work in some capacity, and 31% of participants don’t feel back to full-health at 1-year following infection.ConclusionHospitalised COVID-19 survivors report persistent symptoms, particularly fatigue and breathlessness, low HrQOL scores, sub-optimal exercise levels and continued work absenteeism 1-year following infection, despite some objective recovery of physical functioning. Further research is warranted to explore rehabilitation goals and strategies to optimise patient outcomes during recovery from COVID-19.Clinical messageHospitalised COVID-19 survivors report significant ongoing rehabilitation concerns 1-year following infection, despite objective recovery of physical functioning. Our findings suggest those who returned to exercise within 1-year may have less fatigue and breathlessness. The impact of exercise, and other rehabilitative strategies on physical functioning outcomes following COVID-19 should be investigated in future research.

Postdischarge outcomes of COVID-19 patients from South Asia: a prospective study.

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may cause clinical manifestations that last for weeks or months after hospital discharge. The manifestations are heterogeneous and vary in their frequency. Their multisystem nature requires a holistic approach to management. There are sparse data from the South Asian region on the outcomes of hospital-discharged COVID-19 patients. We assessed the posthospital discharge outcomes of a cohort of Sri Lankan COVID-19 patients and explored the factors that influenced these outcomes.MethodsData were prospectively collected from patients who were discharged following an admission to the Nawaloka Hospital, Sri Lanka with COVID-19 from March to June 2021. At discharge, their demographic, clinical and laboratory findings were recorded. The patients were categorised as having mild, moderate and severe COVID-19, based on the Sri Lanka Ministry of Health COVID-19 guidelines. Following discharge, information on health status, complications and outcomes was collected through clinic visits and preplanned telephone interviews. A validated (in Sri Lanka) version of the Short Form 36 health survey questionnaire (SF-36) was used to assess multi-item dimensions health status of the patients at 1, 2 and 3 mo postdischarge.ResultsWe collected data on 203 patients (male, n=111 [54.7%]). The level of vaccination was significantly associated with disease severity (p<0.001). Early recovery was seen in the mild group compared with the moderate and severe groups. At 3 mo, on average 98% of mild and 90% of moderate/severe patients had recovered. Based on the SF-36, physical functioning dimensions, role limitation due to physical and emotional health, energy/ fatigue, emotional well-being, social functioning, pain and general health were significantly different in the moderate/severe vs mild COVID-19 groups at 1, 2 and 3 mo postdischarge (p<0.05). Twenty-three patients developed complications, of which the most common were myocardial infarction with heart failure (n=6/23; 26.1%), cerebrovascular accident (n=6/23; 26.1%) and respiratory tract infections (n=3/23; 13.01%) and there were six deaths.ConclusionsIn our cohort, receiving two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine was associated with reduced disease severity. Those with mild disease recovered faster than those with moderate/severe disease. At 3 mo posthospital discharge, >90% had recovered.

A proof of concept for continuous, non-invasive, free-living vital signs monitoring to predict readmission following an acute exacerbation of COPD: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundThe use of vital signs monitoring in the early recognition of an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) post-hospital discharge is limited. This study investigated whether continuous vital signs monitoring could predict an AECOPD and readmission.Methods35 people were recruited at discharge following hospitalisation for an AECOPD. Participants were asked to wear an Equivital LifeMonitor during waking hours for 6 weeks and to complete the Exacerbations of Chronic Pulmonary Disease Tool (EXACT), a 14-item symptom diary, daily. The Equivital LifeMonitor recorded respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), skin temperature (ST) and physical activity (PA) every 15-s. An AECOPD was classified as mild (by EXACT score), moderate (prescribed oral steroids/antibiotics) or severe (hospitalisation).ResultsOver the 6-week period, 31 participants provided vital signs and symptom data and 14 participants experienced an exacerbation, of which, 11 had sufficient data to predict an AECOPD. HR and PA were associated with EXACT score (p < 0.001). Three days prior to an exacerbation, RR increased by mean ± SD 2.0 ± 0.2 breaths/min for seven out of 11 exacerbations and HR increased by 8.1 ± 0.7 bpm for nine of these 11 exacerbations.ConclusionsIncreased heart rate and reduced physical activity were associated with worsening symptoms. Even with high-resolution data, the variation in vital signs data remains a challenge for predicting AECOPDs. Respiratory rate and heart rate should be further explored as potential predictors of an impending AECOPD.Trial registration: ISRCTN registry; ISRCTN12855961. Registered 07 November 2018—Retrospectively registered, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN12855961

Accessing information and adapting to the role of care partner for stroke survivors with aphasia during the early Covid-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Background Spouses, family members, and close friends of stroke survivors with aphasia are often inadequately prepared to transition into the role of care partner and are consequently at risk for third-party disability. Timely, appropriate informational support may help to mitigate negative effects of caring for someone with aphasia. Aims To explore how 11 care partners accessed information and adapted to the caregiver role at different phases of recovery during the early Covid-19 pandemic. Methods and Procedures Care partners of stroke survivors with aphasia participated in up to five individual semi-structured interviews while their loved one was in acute care through six months post-hospital discharge. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were analysed using a descriptive coding process. Codes were grouped together into categories, and themes were identified from observed patterns in the data. Outcomes and Results There were 11 relevant key themes, including how care partners learn about stroke and aphasia (or not), receive information about their loved one, find alternative ways to communicate, prepare for the unknown, long for some type of check-in, desire care coordination, appreciate family support, and adjust to living with aphasia in the long-term. Conclusions The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted inconsistencies in care partner involvement during stroke rehabilitation. Families navigated stroke and aphasia recovery with varying information from the healthcare team and the pandemic impacted therapy coordination, family support, and access to respite care. Our work highlights several opportunities for improvement in care partner inclusion and indicates a need to develop tailored interventions for timely informational support.

Quality of Life of Mothers of Infants Subjected to Neonatal Cardiac Surgery: The Importance of Psychosocial Factors.

Background: The World Health Organization acknowledges quality of life (QOL) as subjectively perceived overall well-being by the individual and recognizes it as an essential construct for overall health and wellness. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of infant, environmental, and parental factors with the QOL of mothers of infants at four months post-hospital discharge from cardiac surgery. Methods: Secondary analysis of prospectively collected data from the REACH randomized clinical trial of telehealth home monitoring. The sample included mothers (n = 148) of infants with congenital heart disease who provided data at four months post-discharge. Ten imputations were generated using fully conditional specification methods to address missing data and were combined. All analyses were performed on the imputed data. Mothers' QOL was the main outcome of the analysis, as measured by the Ulm Quality of Life Inventory for Parents. Predictors on QOL were identified based on the World Health Organization QOL framework which recognizes the multidimensional domains influencing QOL that include personal factors, environmental factors, and physical factors related to disease and functioning. Results: The treatment and control groups did not differ on any study variable, thus data were collapsed and analyzed together. Final multivariable model found that the combination of dyadic adjustment, social support, parenting stress, and post-traumatic stress symptoms explained approximately three-quarters of the variance in QOL scores. Conclusions: QOL for mothers of infants with congenital heart disease is largely influenced by psychosocial factors. Future research targeted toward improving maternal QOL should include psychosocial interventions that address social networks and stress.

Emergency General Surgery Transfer and Effect on Inpatient Mortality and Post-Discharge Emergency Department Visits: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis.

Patients undergoing emergency general surgery (EGS) and interhospital transfer (IHT) have increased mortality. Prior analyses of IHT have been limited by the inability to track post-discharge outcomes or have not included nonoperative EGS. We evaluated outcomes for IHT to our tertiary care facility compared with direct admission through the emergency department. Patients admitted directly (2015 to 2017) with a common EGS diagnosis (appendicitis, cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, small bowel obstruction, and diverticulitis) were propensity score matched to patients transferred from another acute care hospital. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed using patient characteristics, EGS diagnosis, comorbidities, and surgical critical care consultation. The primary outcome was inpatient mortality, and secondary outcomes were length of stay (LOS) 30-day hospital readmission. We identified 3,153 directly admitted patients and 1,272 IHT patients. IHT patients were older (mean 59.4 vs 51.5 years), had a higher Charlson comorbidity index (median 3 vs 1), White race (72% vs 49%), and BMI greater than 40 kg/m2 (11.6% vs 9.8%). After PSM, each group included 1,033 patients. IHT patients had a higher median LOS (5.5 days vs 3.8, p < 0.001), higher inpatient mortality (odds ratio [OR] 1.69, p = 0.03), and more complications (OR 1.57, p < 0.001). The rate of post-discharge 30-day hospital encounters was similar (OR 1.08, p = 0.460). However, IHT patients had more emergency department encounters (OR 1.35, p = 0.04) and fewer observation-status readmissions (OR 0.53, p = 0.01). After PSM to reduce confounding variables, patients with common EGS diagnoses transferred to a tertiary care facility have increased inpatient morbidity and mortality. The increased morbidity and resource utilization for these patients extends beyond the index hospital stay.

In-hospital mortality and severe outcomes after hospital discharge due to COVID-19: A prospective multicenter study from Brazil

BackgroundWe evaluated in-hospital mortality and outcomes incidence after hospital discharge due to COVID-19 in a Brazilian multicenter cohort.MethodsThis prospective multicenter study (RECOVER-SUS, NCT04807699) included COVID-19 patients hospitalized in public tertiary hospitals in Brazil from June 2020 to March 2021. Clinical assessment and blood samples were performed at hospital admission, with post-hospital discharge remote visits. Hospitalized participants were followed-up until March 31, 2021. The outcomes were in-hospital mortality and incidence of rehospitalization or death after hospital discharge. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional-hazard models were performed.Findings1589 participants [54.5% male, age=62 (IQR 50-70) years; BMI=28.4 (IQR,24.9–32.9) Kg/m² and 51.9% with diabetes] were included. A total of 429 individuals [27.0% (95%CI,24.8–29.2)] died during hospitalization (median time 14 (IQR,9–24) days). Older age [vs<40 years; age=60–69 years-aHR=1.89 (95%CI,1.08–3.32); age=70–79 years-aHR=2.52 (95%CI,1.42–4.45); age≥80-aHR=2.90 (95%CI 1.54–5.47)]; noninvasive or mechanical ventilation at admission [vs facial-mask or none; aHR=1.69 (95%CI 1.30–2.19)]; SAPS-III score≥57 [vs<57; aHR=1.47 (95%CI 1.13–1.92)] and SOFA score≥10 [vs <10; aHR=1.51 (95%CI 1.08–2.10)] were independently associated with in-hospital mortality. A total of 65 individuals [6.7% (95%CI 5.3–8.4)] had a rehospitalization or death [rate=323 (95%CI 250–417) per 1000 person-years] in a median time of 52 (range 1–280) days post-hospital discharge. Age ≥ 60 years [vs <60, aHR=2.13 (95%CI 1.15–3.94)] and SAPS-III ≥57 at admission [vs <57, aHR=2.37 (95%CI 1.22–4.59)] were independently associated with rehospitalization or death after hospital discharge.InterpretationHigh in-hospital mortality rates due to COVID-19 were observed and elderly people remained at high risk of rehospitalization and death after hospital discharge.FundingFundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) and Programa INOVA-FIOCRUZ.

Effects of hospitalization on functional status and health-related quality of life of patients with COVID-19 complications: a literature review

Background: Due to the clinical situations faced, patients with COVID-19 who survive the intensive care unit (ICU) are at greater risk of developing post-intensive care syndrome (PICS), characterized by typical physical, psychological and cognitive consequences in the post hospital discharge. Given this situation, it is important to assess these patients for the presence of musculoskeletal and psychosocial changes, so that they are referred to an outpatient and/or home rehabilitation program. Objective: to identify in the scientific literature the effects of hospitalization on the functional status and health-related quality of life of patients with complications from COVID-19. Methods: Searches were performed for scientific articles indexed in the MEDLINE database (accessed by Pubmed), between the years 2019 to 2022. Articles that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria determined to compose this study were included. Results: from a total of 524 articles found in the literature, only 15 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The sample was represented by eight cross-sectional studies and seven cohort studies, and the main outcomes found to assess functional status were the six minute walking test the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status scale and for quality of life the EuroQol visual analogue scale and the Short form-36. Conclusion: With this literature review, it can be concluded that patients hospitalized for complications of COVID-19 showed a significant decline in functional status and health-related quality of life.However, updates are necessary to characterize the symptoms and persistent sequelae in the post-COVID-19.

Heart Failure Patients' Perceptions Of Preparation For Self-care

Six and a half million Americans diagnosed with heart failure (HF) face dauntingly complex treatment regimens when transitioning from hospital to home care. Most are not prepared to perform their self-care. Advanced practice nurse (APN) interventions such as home visits as well as interventions that target perceived preparation for self-care have indicated improved health and costs outcomes. However, little is known about targeting perceived preparations for self-care with a low-cost APN intervention. Purpose: This randomized controlled trial compared health outcomes, and healthcare charges between two groups of adults hospitalized with an HF diagnosis. Methods: A control (<i>n</i> = 78) group received routine postdischarge care. An intervention group (<i>n</i> =76) received routine post discharge care plus follow-up telephone calls by APNs on posthospital discharge days 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42 and 56. Both groups were followed for the first 8 weeks posthospital discharge to examine health outcomes (i.e., perceived preparation for self-care, social support, problem-solving orientation), healthcare charges (i.e., emergency department visits, rehospitalizations) and charges for the APN follow-up (intervention group only). Findings: At 8-weeks, comparing the intervention to the usual care group, the intervention group had significant differences in: perceived preparation for self-care mean scores (<i>M_I</i> =67.37, <i>SD</i> = 16.6 <i>vs. M_C</i> = 25.36, <i>SD</i> = 19, <i>t</i>(138) = -13.831, <i>p</i>=.000); hospital readmission rate (M_I = 16.9% <i>vs.</i> M_c = 33.4%, <i>χ2</i> = 4.59, <i>p</i> < .05); and mean healthcare charges (<i>M_I</i> = $3,124, <i>SD</i> = $6,413 <i>vs. M_C</i> = $6,897, <i>SD</i> = $11,268), <i>t</i>(142) = 2.45, <i>p</i> = .02) Conclusion: Targeting a low-cost APN telephone follow-up intervention at subjective perceptions resulted in significantly higher levels of perceived preparation for self-care, lower rehospitalization rates and lower healthcare charges in the intervention group compared to the control group that did not receive APN interventions. These findings highlight the ability of APNs to apply low-cost, easy to apply follow-up interventions to vulnerable populations especially during times of major budget cuts that affect healthcare services.

The Effects of Physician Characteristics on Patients’ Hospital Discharge Destination and Length of Stay

We study the effects of physician, hospital, and market characteristics on length of stay and discharge destinations for cardiac inpatients in Florida hospitals in 2004, while controlling for patient characteristics. Using a competing risks hazard model, we analyze the determinants of whether patients are discharged home, to a skilled nursing facility, home under the supervision of a home health agency, or die within the hospital. Our study is unique in that we estimate a competing risks hazard model to identify the impact of physician education and training on hospital length-of-stay and post-hospital discharge destination. We find that physician characteristics are significantly related to transition rates to home discharge and that hospital and county characteristics impact the hazard rates for discharge to home health agencies and skilled nursing facilities.

Developing and Implementing an mHealth Heart Failure Self-care Program to Reduce Readmissions: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundPatients admitted with decompensated heart failure (HF) are at risk for hospital readmission and poor quality of life during the discharge period. Lifestyle behavior modifications that promote the self-management of chronic cardiac diseases have been associated with an improved quality of life. However, whether a mobile health (mHealth) program can assist patients in the self-management of HF during the acute posthospital discharge period is unknown.ObjectiveWe aimed to develop an mHealth program designed to enhance patients’ self-management of HF by increasing knowledge, self-efficacy, and symptom detection. We hypothesized that patients hospitalized with HF would be willing to use a feasibly deployed mHealth program after their hospital discharge.MethodsWe employed a patient-centered outcomes research methodology to design a stakeholder-informed mHealth program. Adult patients with HF admitted to a large academic hospital were enrolled and randomized to receive the mHealth intervention versus usual care. Our feasibility outcomes included ease of program deployment, use of the clinical escalation process, duration of participant recruitment, and participant attrition. Surveys assessing the demographics and clinical characteristics of HF were measured at baseline and at 30 and 90 days after discharge.ResultsThe study period was between July 1, 2019, and April 7, 2020. The mean cohort (N=31) age was 60.4 (range 22-85) years. Over half of the participants were men (n=18, 58%) and 77% (n=24) were White. There were no significant differences in baseline measures. We determined that an educational mHealth program tailored for patients with HF is feasibly deployed and acceptable by patients. Though not significant, we found notable trends including a higher mean quality of life at 30 days posthospitalization among program users and a longer duration before rehospitalization, which are suggestive of better HF prognosis.ConclusionsOur mHealth tool should be further assessed in a larger comparative effectiveness trial. Our pilot intervention offers promise as an innovative means to help HF patients lead healthy, independent lives. These preliminary data suggest that patient-centered mHealth tools can enable high-risk patients to play a role in the management of their HF after discharge.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03982017; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03982017