Transitional Care Interventions Research Articles

Systematic review of contemporary interventions for improving discharge support and transitions of care from the patient experience perspective.

To synthesize the impact of improvement interventions related to care coordination, discharge support and care transitions on patient experience measures. Systematic review. Searches were completed in six scientific databases, five specialty journals, and through snowballing. Eligibility included studies published in English (2015-2023) focused on improving care coordination, discharge support, or transitional care assessed by standardized patient experience measures as a primary outcome. Two independent reviewers made eligibility decisions and performed quality appraisals. Of 1240 papers initially screened, 16 were included. Seven studies focused on care coordination activities, including three randomized controlled trials [RCTs]. These studies used enhanced supports such as improvement coaching or tailoring for vulnerable populations within Patient-Centered Medical Homes or other primary care sites. Intervention effectiveness was mixed or neutral relative to standard or models of care or simpler supports (e.g., improvement tool). Eight studies, including three RCTs, focused on enhanced discharge support, including patient education (e.g., teach back) and telephone follow-up; mixed or neutral results on the patient experience were also found and with more substantive risks of bias. One pragmatic trial on a transitional care intervention, using a navigator support, found significant changes only for the subset of uninsured patients and in one patient experience outcome, and had challenges with implementation fidelity. Enhanced supports for improving care coordination, discharge education, and post-discharge follow-up had mixed or neutral effectiveness for improving the patient experience with care, compared to standard care or simpler improvement approaches. There is a need to advance the body of evidence on how to improve the patient experience with discharge support and transitional approaches.

Healthcare use and out-of-pocket costs for rural family caregivers and care recipients in a randomized controlled trial.

Rural family caregivers (FCGs) in the United States often experience high economic costs. This randomized controlled trial compared a transitional palliative care intervention (TPC) to support FCGs of seriously ill care recipients (CRs) to an attention control condition. We evaluated the TPC's effect on healthcare use and out-of-pocket spending for both FCGs and CRs. TPC FCGs received teaching, guidance, and counseling via video calls for 8 weeks following CR discharge from the hospital. After discharge, a research assistant called all FCGs once a month for up to 6 months or CR death to collect self-reported healthcare utilization (e.g., outpatient, emergency department, and hospital), out-of-pocket healthcare spending (e.g., deductibles and coinsurance), and health-related travel costs (e.g., transportation, lodging, food) for FCGs and CRs. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were estimated using negative binomial regressions. The study included 282 FCG-CR dyads across three U.S. states. Follow-up over the 6-month period was shortened by high CR mortality rates across both arms (29%), but was similar across arms. TPC reduced nights in the hospital for CR (IRR = 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.56-0. 99). Total out-of-pocket spending was not significantly different for TPC versus control. Across both groups, mean out-of-pocket spending for dyads was $1401.85, with healthcare payments contributing $1048.58 and transportation expenses contributing $136.79. TPC dyads reported lower lodging costs (IRR = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.56-0.89). This study contributes to evidence that palliative care interventions reduce the number of nights in the hospital for seriously ill patients. Yet, overall rural FCGs and seriously ill CRs experience substantial out-of-pocket economic costs in the 6 months following hospitalization. Transitional care intervention design should consider impacts on patient and caregiver spending. gov # is NCT03339271.

Coordination of oral anticoagulant care at hospital discharge (COACHeD): pilot randomised controlled trial

ObjectivesTo evaluate whether a focused, expert medication management intervention is feasible and potentially effective in preventing anticoagulation-related adverse events for patients transitioning from hospital to home.DesignRandomised, parallel design.SettingMedical wards at...

Exploring home rehabilitation therapists' experiences of supporting older persons to physical exercise after acute hospitalization: a qualitative interview study.

After hospitalization, older persons may face a decline in physical function and daily independence. In-hospital exercise interventions can mitigate this decline, and continued support from primary healthcare post-discharge may enhance sustainability. This study aimed to explore home rehabilitation therapists' experiences of supporting physical exercise after acute hospitalization, including exercise programs initiated during hospital stay. This qualitative study was conducted alongside a randomized-controlled trial to investigate prerequisites for a transitional care intervention. Twelve interviews were conducted with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and managers across seven rehabilitation therapy services in Stockholm, Sweden. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. The analysis generated the theme Striving for individualized support for physical exercise, although limited resources and a fragmented home care risk to direct support away from those who need it the most. It was based on four subthemes: The starting point is always the patient's current needs, goals, and prerequisites, Continuing the exercise initiated during hospitalization by adapting it to the patient's situation at home, Work premises not tailored to patients with complex care needs, and A home care organization that lacks coordination and unified purpose. Interventions supporting older persons to physical exercise after acute hospitalization need to be tailored to the individual, support motivation, and be adapted to the patient's home situation. Challenges may arise when care recourses lack alignment with the patients' needs, and when the collaboration among care providers is limited. The findings contribute valuable insights for future studies incorporating transitional care interventions in similar context.

Interprofessional Teams Supporting Care Transitions from Hospital to Community: A Scoping Review.

Poor outcomes following the transition from hospital back to community living are common, especially for older adults with complex health and social care needs. Some health care systems now have multiple interprofessional teams (in hospital and community) to support care transitions. These teams will need to be well coordinated to improve care transition outcomes. We conducted a scoping review to identify and map peer-reviewed literature on how interprofessional teams are working together to support older adults transitioning from hospital back to the community. We used the six-stage framework developed by Levac and colleagues (2010). Procedures were guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review guidelines. Our structured search and screening process resulted in 70 articles, published between 2000 and 2022, from 14 counties. Within these articles, 26 programs were described that used interprofessional teams in both the hospital and community. The qualitative articles suggested that effective teamwork is very important for promoting care transition quality, but the quantitative research did not report on team-related outcomes. Quantitative research has described, but not evaluated, strategies for promoting interprofessional collaboration. Future research should focus on evaluating processes used to promote effective interprofessional teamwork in care transition interventions.

Exploring the Inclusion of Person-Centered Care Domains in Stroke Transitions of Care Interventions: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

Health care teams along the stroke recovery continuum have a responsibility to support care transitions and return to the community. Ideally, individualized care will consider patient and family preferences, best available evidence, and health care professional input. Person-centered care can improve patient-practitioner interactions through shared decision-making in which health professionals and institutions are sensitive to those for whom they provide care. However, it is unclear how the concepts of person-centered care have been described in reports of stroke transitional care interventions. A secondary analysis of a systematic review and meta-analysis was undertaken. We retrieved all included articles (n=17) and evaluated the extent to which each intervention explicitly addressed 7 domains of person-centered care: alignment of care with patients' values, preferences, and needs; coordination of care; information and education; physical comfort; emotional support; family and friend involvement; and smooth transition and continuity of care. Most of the articles included some aspects of person-centeredness; we found that certain domains were not addressed in the descriptions of transitional care interventions, and no articles mentioned all 7 domains of person-centered care. We identified 3 implications for practice and research: (1) delineating person-centered care components when reporting interventions, (2) elucidating social and cultural factors relevant to the study sample and intervention, and (3) clearly describing the role of family and nonmedical support in the intervention. There is still room for greater consistency in the reporting of person-centeredness in stroke transitions of care interventions, despite a long-standing definition and conceptualization of person-centered care in academic and clinically focused literature.

Equity-Centered Postdischarge Support for Medicaid-Insured People: Protocol for a Type 1 Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

Disparities in posthospitalization outcomes for people with chronic medical conditions and insured by Medicaid are well documented, yet interventions that mitigate them are lacking. Prevailing transitional care interventions narrowly target people aged 65 years and older, with specific disease processes, or limitedly focus on individual-level behavioral change such as self-care or symptom management, thus failing to adequately provide a holistic approach to ensure an optimal posthospital care continuum. This study evaluates the implementation of THRIVE-an evidence-based, equity-focused clinical pathway that supports Medicaid-insured individuals with multiple chronic conditions transitioning from hospital to home by focusing on the social determinants of health and systemic and structural barriers in health care delivery. THRIVE services include coordinating care, standardizing interdisciplinary communication, and addressing unmet clinical and social needs following hospital discharge. The study's objectives are to (1) examine referral patterns, 30-day readmission, and emergency department use for participants who receive THRIVE support services compared to those receiving usual care and (2) evaluate the implementation of the THRIVE clinical pathway, including fidelity, feasibility, appropriateness, and acceptability. We will perform a sequential randomized rollout of THRIVE to case managers at the study hospital in 3 steps (4 in the first group, 4 in the second, and 5 in the third), and data collection will occur over 18 months. Inclusion criteria for THRIVE participation include (1) being Medicaid insured, dually enrolled in Medicaid and Medicare, or Medicaid eligible; (2) residing in Philadelphia; (3) having experienced a hospitalization at the study hospital for more than 24 hours with a planned discharge to home; (4) agreeing to home care at partner home care settings; and (5) being aged 18 years or older. Qualitative data will include interviews with clinicians involved in THRIVE, and quantitative data on health service use (ie, 30-day readmission, emergency department use, and primary and specialty care) will be derived from the electronic health record. This project was funded in January 2023 and approved by the institutional review board on March 10, 2023. Data collection will occur from March 2023 to July 2024. Results are expected to be published in 2025. The THRIVE clinical pathway aims to reduce disparities and improve postdischarge care transitions for Medicaid-insured patients through a system-level intervention that is acceptable for THRIVE participants, clinicians, and their teams in hospitals and home care settings. By using our equity-focused case management services and leveraging the power of the electronic medical record, THRIVE creates efficiencies by identifying high-need patients, improving communication across acute and community-based sectors, and driving evidence-based care coordination. This study will add important findings about how the infusion of equity-focused principles in the design and evaluation of evidence-based interventions contributes to both implementation and effectiveness outcomes. DERR1-10.2196/54211. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05714605; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05714605.

Effects of transitional care interventions on quality of life in people with lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To identify and appraise the quality of evidence of transitional care interventions on quality of life in lung cancer patients. Quality of life is a strong predictor of survival. The transition from hospital to home is a high-risk period for patients' readmission and death, which seriously affect their quality of life. Systematic review and meta-analysis. The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and CINAHL databases were searched from inception to 22 October 2022. The primary outcome was quality of life. Statistical analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4, results were expressed as standard mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. This study was complied with PRISMA guidelines and previously registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023429464). Fourteen randomized controlled trials were included consisting of a total of 1700 participants, and 12 studies were included in the meta-analysis. It was found that transitional care interventions significantly improved quality of life (SMD = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.40, p = .03) and helped reduce symptoms (SMD = -0.65, 95% CI: -1.13 to -0.18, p = .007) in lung cancer patients, but did not significantly reduce anxiety and depression, and the effect on self-efficacy was unclear. This study shows that transitional care interventions can improve quality of life and reduce symptoms in patients, and that primarily educational interventions based on symptom management theory appeared to be more effective. But, there was no statistically significant effect on anxiety and depression. This study provides references for the application of transitional care interventions in the field of lung cancer care, and encourages nurses and physicians to apply transitional care plans to facilitate patients' safe transition from hospital to home. No Patient or Public Contribution.

Older adults experience of transition to the community from the emergency department: a qualitative evidence synthesis

AimOlder adults comprise a growing proportion of Emergency Department (ED) attendees and are vulnerable to adverse outcomes following an ED visit including ED reattendance within 30 days. Interventions to reduce older adults’ risk of adverse outcomes following an ED attendance are proliferating and often focus on improving the transition from the ED to the community. To optimise the effectiveness of interventions it is important to determine how older adults experience the transition from the ED to the community. This study aims to systematically review and synthesise qualitative studies reporting older adults’ experiences of transition to the community from the ED.MethodsSix databases (Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, and Social Science Full Text) were searched in March 2022 and 2023. A seven-step approach to meta-ethnography, as described by Noblit and Hare, was used to synthesise findings across included studies. The methodological quality of the included studies was appraised using the 10-item Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist for qualitative research. A study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (Registration: CRD42022287990).FindingsTen studies were included, and synthesis led to the development of five themes. Unresolved symptoms reported by older adults on discharge impact their ability to manage at home (theme 1). Limited community services and unresolved symptoms drive early ED reattendance for some older adults (theme 2). Although older adults value practical support and assistance transporting home from the ED this is infrequently provided (theme 3). Accessible health information and interactions are important for understanding and self-managing health conditions on discharge from the ED (theme 4). Fragmented Care between ED and community is common, stressful and impacts on older adult’s ability to manage health conditions (theme 5). A line of argument synthesis integrated these themes into one overarching concept; after an ED visit older adults often struggle to manage changed, complex, health and care needs at home, in the absence of comprehensive support and guidance.Discussion/ conclusionKey areas for consideration in future service and intervention development are identified in this study; ED healthcare providers should adapt their communication to the needs of older adults, provide accessible information and explicitly address expectations about symptom resolution during discharge planning. Concurrently, community health services need to be responsive to older adults’ changed health and care needs after an ED visit to achieve care integration. Those developing transitional care interventions should consider older adults needs for integration of care, symptom management, clear communication and information from providers and desire to return to daily life.

A Web-Based Peer-Patient Navigation Program (Compassionate Online Navigation to Enhance Care Transitions) for Youth Living With Childhood-Acquired Disabilities Transitioning From Pediatric to Adult Care: Qualitative Descriptive Study.

Studies have highlighted significant challenges associated with the transition from pediatric to adult health and social care services for youth living with childhood-acquired disabilities and their caregivers. Patient navigation has been proposed as an effective transitional care intervention. Better understanding of how patient navigation may support youth and their families during pediatric to adult care transitions is warranted. This study aims to describe the preferred adaptations of an existing web-based platform from the perspectives of youth with childhood-onset disabilities and their family caregivers to develop a web-based peer-patient navigation program, Compassionate Online Navigation to Enhance Care Transitions (CONNECT). A qualitative descriptive design was used. Participants included youth living with childhood-acquired disabilities (16/23, 70%) and their caregivers (7/23, 30%). Semistructured interviews and focus groups were conducted, digitally recorded, and transcribed. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data and was facilitated through NVivo software (Lumivero). Participants desired a program that incorporated (1) self-directed learning, (2) a library of reliable health and community resources, and (3) emotional and social supports. On the basis of participants' feedback, CONNECT was deemed satisfactory, as it was believed that the program would help support appropriate transition care through the provision of trusted health-related information. Participants highlighted the need for options to optimize confidentiality in their health and social care and the choice to remain anonymous to other participants. Web-based patient navigation programs such as CONNECT may deliver peer support that can improve the quality and experience of care for youth, and their caregivers, transitioning from pediatric to adult care through personalized support, health care monitoring, and health and social care resources. Future studies are needed to test the feasibility, acceptability, usability, use, and effectiveness of CONNECT among youth with childhood-onset disabilities.

Life-Space of Older Adults after Discharge from Skilled Nursing Facilities

ObjectivesDescribe (1) patient or caregiver perceptions of physical function in 30 days after skilled nursing facility (SNF) discharge indicated by Life-Space Assessment (LSA) scores, and (2) patient and caregiver factors associated with LSA scores. DesignSecondary analysis of baseline and outcomes data from the cluster randomized trial of the Connect-Home transitional care intervention. Setting and ParticipantsSix SNFs in North Carolina. Patient and caregiver dyads with LSA scores (N = 245). MethodsSNF patients or their caregivers serving as proxy reported the life-space of the SNF patient using the LSA tool, a measure of environmental and social factors that influence physical mobility. Simple scores for highest life-space attained depending on equipment and/or caregiver support range from 0 to 5, with higher scores indicating greater mobility. Multiple linear regression models for simple LSA scores and Composite Life-Space (0-120), adjusted for treatment, time via a COVID pandemic indicator, and treatment × COVID effect as fixed effects, were used to estimate the association of patient and caregiver variables and life-space. ResultsPatients had a mean age of 76.3 years, 62.6% were female, and 74.7% were white. Caregivers were commonly female (73.9%) and adult children of the patient (46.5%). The mean Composite Life-Space score was 22.6 (16.09). The mean Assisted Life-Space score (range: 0-5) was 1.6 (1.47), and 76.3% of patients could not move beyond their bedroom, house, and yard without assistance of another person. Higher Composite Life-Space scores were associated with lower levels of cognitive impairment and shorter SNF length of stay. Conclusions and ImplicationsSNF patients and their caregivers reported very low LSA scores in 30 days after SNF care. Findings indicate the need for care redesign to promote recovery of physical function of older adults after SNF discharge, such as optimizing SNF rehabilitative therapy and adding postdischarge rehabilitative supports at home.

The Value of Social Work to Health, Health Systems, and Interprofessional Teams: A Scoping Review

Abstract Social workers are an integral part of the U.S. healthcare system, yet specific contributions of social work to health and cost-containment outcomes is sparse. This scoping review describes and evaluates the state of the evidence on how social work interventions impact health and economic outcomes since the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Three databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL) were searched using the convention [“social work” OR “social services”] AND “health” AND [“cost” OR “utilization” OR “readmission”] for studies published between 2010 and 2022. Unique records were evaluated on inclusion criteria (U.S.-based, reported social work, and cost or health outcomes) using a five-phase scoping review process. Methodological quality was assessed using two validated metrics. Of 1,655 unique records retrieved, 40 (2.4%) met inclusion criteria. Full-text review yielded 15 studies. Most (75%) studies described transitional care interventions for older patients and high utilizers of health services, with the majority (75%) led by social workers. While health and cost outcomes were generally positive, overall methodological quality of the sample was low. Social work intervention can improve health and cost outcomes. More robust economic analyses that inform policy, practice, and health service delivery are needed.

A Mobile Health Transitional Care Intervention Delivered by Nurses Improves Postdischarge Outcomes of Caregivers of Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Caring for patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) during the transition from hospital to home can be psychologically challenging to caregivers. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a novel mobile health (m-health) transitional care intervention to reduce stress and burden of caregivers of patients with TBI and to reduce readmissions. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 74 caregivers of adult patients with moderate or severe TBI admitted to a referral hospital in Indonesia. An m-health application for Android mobile phones was designed including education and information for caregivers. The application included an online chat feature with weekly monitoring. The m-health transitional care intervention also included face-to-face education before hospital discharge. Primary outcomes were caregivers' stress and burden. Outcomes were measured at 3 time points: at hospital discharge, 2 weeks postdischarge, and 4 weeks postdischarge. Random Allocation Software was used for randomization of study participants. Final analysis included data of 37 caregivers in the intervention group and 37 caregivers in the control group. Stress within the intervention group decreased over time (P < 0.001, mean difference= 11.05). Between both groups, stress was significantly different at 2 weeks and 4 weeks postdischarge (P < 0.001). Caregiver burden showed similar results (2 weeks postdischarge P < 0.001 and 4 weeks postdischarge P < 0.001). Only 1 patient in the control group was readmitted to the hospital. The m-health transitional care intervention reduced stress and burden of caregivers of patients with moderate or severe TBI. Nurses should consider using m-health technologies to support caregivers in the transition from the hospital into the community.

Percepções de pessoas idosas internadas acerca da transição do cuidado do hospital para casa

Abstract Objective To analyze the perceptions of older adults hospitalized regarding the transition of care from hospital to home. Method A qualitative, descriptive-exploratory research was conducted in a clinical inpatient unit of a medium-sized public hospital in the interior of São Paulo state, Brazil. Twenty-two older adults participated in the study through semistructured interviews, guided by questions based on the pillars of the Care Transitions Intervention (CTI). Subsequently, participant observation was conducted at the study site, with recording in a field diary and transcription of speeches. Thematic analysis and data systematization followed through specific software for qualitative data analysis Results The mean age of the participants was 68 years (SD±5.4); 16 (77%) had one or more chronic diseases; 14 (64%) were using one or more continuous medications. The primary International Classification of Diseases code for hospitalization was Covid-19. The average length of hospital stay was 9 days (SD±5.7), with a maximum of 31 days and a minimum of two days, with four (18%) experiencing severe disease. From the perception of older adults, four themes of analysis emerged: medication-related problems; preparation for hospital discharge; continuity of care; and family network. Conclusion From the perspective of older adults, it is necessary to organize the care plan during hospitalization through medication reconciliation, preparation for home care, family presence during hospitalization, and recognition of Primary Health Care in continuity of care during the transition from hospital to home care.

Transitional care for older adults with chronic illness: Aqualitative inquiry.

Improved public health strategies and medical advancements have expanded older adults' survival after acute insults from chronic diseases. The resultant increase in disability and care requirements among older adults is significant. However, transitional care interventions to support the efficient transition from acute care settings to home are primitive in developing countries like India. This qualitative survey aimed to estimate the transitional care requirements of older adults with chronic illness discharged from acute care facilities. Descriptive phenomenological approach was utilised for this qualitative study. The older adult-family caregiver dyads fulfilling the inclusion criteria were interviewed until the achievement of information saturation. The transcribed narratives between the researcher, older adults and their caregivers were thematically analysed. Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) served as the framework for reporting this research. Thirteen older adult-caregiver dyads participated in the semi-structured interview, which yielded six themes. Older adults have a hidden self with characteristics ranging between a continuum of 'insistence' to 'giving up'. Caregiver attributes identified from this inquiry were exhaustion, engagement and empowerment. The remaining four themes which constitute the framework for the 'transitional care progression' model include 'complications are mature when identified among older adults', 'medication knowledge is proportionate with its compliance', 'ignorance of supportive care increases caregiver burden' and 'deficient follow-up practices compromise health'. Transitional care for older adults with chronic illness is premature in developing countries. However, the needs of older adults with chronic disease and their caregivers evolved from the present study align with global perspectives. Themes generated from the current qualitative interview, blended with evidence-based interventions, yielded the transitional care progression model, which serves as the only available framework for implementing transitional care in the region. Future research to establish the feasibility and validity of the 'transitional care progression model' is forecasted. The model requires inclusion within the healthcare curriculum. Professional nurses prepared to implement coordinated transitional care pathways are recommended.

An evaluation of a transitional care programme for older adults in a general hospital in the Netherlands: Needs, preferences, and perspectives of the average old and the oldest old

Aim: This research aimed to evaluate a transitional care programme for older adults who were acutely admitted to a general hospital, with a special focus on health outcomes and healthcare utilisation for the oldest patients and to clarify patients’ and health care providers’ perspectives on the care provided.&#x0D; Background: Populations around the world are ageing, and many older adults have complex health problems owing to multimorbidity. Consequently, they experience many transitions in care. During the past decade, transitional care for older adults has become increasingly important in terms of safe transitions and prevention of adverse events during transitions.Research however, often leaves the oldest old and the most vulnerable out of scope.&#x0D; Methodology and methods: A mixed methods research design, based upon pragmatism and critical realism, was used in a parallel convergent design study. Measurements in the quantitative phase of the study were based on the The Older Persons and Informal Caregivers Survey Minimal Dataset (TOPICS-MDS). Data from the hospital registry and questionnaires were used. In the qualitative phase of the study reflexive thematic analysis was used on data gathered in interviews with patients, hospital nurses and community nurses and two focus group meetings with the geriatric team, and staff and managers from the home care organisations.&#x0D; Findings: The quantitative part of the study did not show any significant results of the effect of the Transitional Care Bridge (TCB) programme on the prevention of functional decline, health care utilisation and other health outcomes. However, the study revealed an increase in preventive care in the more frail TCB group. The qualitative part of the study reveals the programme was valued by patients, family members and professionals. The familiarity with the programme and personal attitudes of professionals may have influenced expectations and outcomes. Many patients enrolled in the programme were very frail and often unaware of the programme. As they often already received some kind of home care, patients were initially referred to the usual carers. The assessment of the care needs of the oldest patients to some extent fail to recognise what would contribute most to ageing well at home. Professionals in hospital as well as home care organisations struggled with motivation towards the programme and felt they still remained working within their silos. Professional roles were not always clearly defined, valued and reflected upon, and outcomes relating to collaboration reveal a gap between the different worlds of hospital and home.&#x0D; &#x0D; Discussion: Different contexts, organisational interests, personal attitudes and lack of reflection have influenced collaboration and the delivery of the programme. Transitional care interventions should be redeveloped for and with the oldest adults and their informal caregivers and address their needs during the period shortly after discharge, and help them build structure into their daily routines, and resume activities and exercise. Reflective practices on shared values, implications and outcomes should be developed as a competence within and between all involved organisations of transitional care. More reflective and emergent research approaches are needed to inform policies on ageing well in place and prevention.&#x0D;

An Integrated Stroke Transitional Care Intervention Improves Physical Functioning, Self-Management and Patient Experience in Older Adults with Stroke and Multimorbidity: A Multisite Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: The hospital-to-home transition for older adults with stroke is often fragmented, resulting in hospital readmissions and reduced quality of life, patient satisfaction and safety. There is limited evidence for strategies to improve transitions in care for older adults with stroke and multimorbidity. This study aimed to test, in real-world clinical practice, the effectiveness of the Transitional Care Stroke Intervention (TCSI) versus usual care on health outcomes, patient experience, and health and social service use costs in older adults (&gt; 55 years) with stroke and multimorbidity (&gt; 2 chronic conditions).&#x0D; Methods: This pragmatic randomized controlled trial was conducted among older adults with a stroke and multimorbidity discharged from the hospital to the community using outpatient stroke rehabilitation services in two communities in Ontario, Canada. Participants were randomized 1:1 to usual care (control group) or usual care plus the 6-month TCSI (intervention group). The TCSI was delivered virtually by an interprofessional team from hospital-based outpatient stroke rehabilitation clinics (Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Speech Language Pathologist, Registered Nurse, and Social Worker). The TCSI is a complex, integrated intervention which includes care coordination/system navigation support, phone/video visits, monthly interprofessional case conferences, and an online resource to support system navigation. Data analysis was performed by intention to treat. The primary outcome was risk of hospital readmission (all-cause) after 6 months. Secondary outcomes were mental and physical functioning, depressive symptoms, stroke self-management, patient experience, number of hospital days and readmissions, number of ED visits, survival rates to first hospital and ED visit, risk of ED visits, and health and social service use costs. Older adults with stroke were engaged as co-investigators and informed the research design, implementation, and evaluation through participation in the Patient Partner Advisory and the TCSI Steering Committees.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: Ninety participants were enrolled (44 intervention, 46 control); 11 (12%) participants were lost to follow-up, leaving 79 (39 intervention, 40 control). Most participants were men (60%), with an average of 7 comorbid conditions, and 78% had experienced their first-ever stroke. No significant group differences were seen for the baseline to six-month risk of hospital readmission (all-cause). However, stroke survivors in the intervention group reported higher levels of physical functioning (SF-12 Physical Component Summary Score mean difference: 5.10; 95% CI: 1.58-8.62, p=0.005), stroke self-management (Southampton Stroke Self-Management Questionnaire mean difference: 6.00; 95% CI: 0.51—11.50, p=0.03), and patient experience (Person-Centred Coordinated Care Experiences Questionnaire mean difference: 2.64, 95% CI: 0.81, 4.47, p=0.005) compared with the usual care group. No significant group differences were seen for the other secondary outcomes.&#x0D; Discussion: The TCSI improved physical functioning, stroke self-management and patient experience in older adults with stroke and multimorbidity without increasing total healthcare costs compared to usual care.&#x0D; Conclusion:The results provide evidence for the effectiveness of an integrated intervention to optimize transitional care outcomes for older adults with stroke and multimorbidity receiving outpatient stroke rehabilitation services.&#x0D; Suggestions for future research: Future research is needed to further evaluate this intervention in diverse settings and populations, with a larger sample size and a full economic evaluation. &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Prompt access to outpatient care post-incarceration among adults with a history of substance use: Predisposing, enabling, and need-based factors

IntroductionAs expanded Medicaid coverage reduces financial barriers to receiving health care among formerly incarcerated adults, more information is needed to understand the factors that predict prompt use of health care after release among insured adults with a history of substance use. This study's aim was to estimate the associations between characteristics suggested by the Andersen behavioral model of health service use and measures of health care use during the immediate reentry period and in the presence of Medicaid coverage. MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, we linked individual-level data from multiple Wisconsin agencies. The sample included individuals aged 18–64 released from a Wisconsin State Correctional Facility between April 2014 and June 2017 to a community in the state who enrolled in Medicaid within one month of release and had a history of substance use. We grouped predictors of outpatient care into variable domains within the Andersen model: predisposing- individual socio-demographic characteristics; enabling characteristics including area-level socio-economic resources, area-level health care supply, and characteristics of the incarceration and release; and need-based- pre-release health conditions. We used a model selection algorithm to select a subset of variable domains and estimated the association between the variables in these domains and two outcomes: any outpatient visit within 30 days of release from a state correctional facility, and receipt of medication for opioid use disorder within 30 days of release. ResultsThe size and sign of many of the estimated associations differed for our two outcomes. Race was associated with both outcomes, Black individuals being 12.1 p.p. (95 % CI, 8.7–15.4, P < .001) less likely than White individuals to have an outpatient visit within 30 days of release and 1.3 p.p. (95 % CI, 0.48–2.1, P = .002) less likely to receive MOUD within 30 days of release. Chronic pre-release health conditions were positively associated with the likelihood of post-release health care use. ConclusionsConditional on health insurance coverage, meaningful differences in post-incarceration outpatient care use still exist across adults leaving prison with a history of substance use. These findings can help guide the development of care transition interventions including the prioritization of subgroups that may warrant particular attention.

RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL OF LAY-DELIVERED INTERVENTION FOR OLDER ADULTS DISCHARGED FROM THE HOSPITAL

Abstract The second speaker will describe the background, aims, methods, and progress of a PCORI-funded RCT to reduce rehospitalization for Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino older adults after medical hospitalization. Across three regional hospitals, 402 older adults living with chronic illness (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension etc.,) will be enrolled while inpatient at one of our three partnering hospitals and randomized to receive one of three interventions in this comparative effectiveness trial: (1) the evidence-based Care Transitions Intervention (CTI), (2) CTI plus a peer educator intervention (CTI+Peer), or (3) usual care. Participants are assessed at 4 timepoints (baseline, 30 days, 90 days and 6 months) to examine differences in the primary outcomes of 30-day all cause hospital readmissions and emergency department visits. Secondary outcomes including quality of life, self-efficacy managing chronic disease, functioning, perceived social support and mortality. CTI Coaches and Peer educators participate in rigorous trainings which includes both didactic and interactive components to ensure interventionists are able to deliver the intervention with fidelity to the models. After training, CTI Coaches and Peer Educators participate in regular supervision meetings. They receive weekly virtual supervision check-ins from USF study staff and participate in a monthly group-based supervision in person. This trial involves close collaboration with leaders and coordinators at each hospital and an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for recruitment, engagement of study interventionists and study dissemination. Across sites, 18 CTI Coaches and 11 Peer Educators have been trained and certified, and 145 participants have been enrolled (as of 3/8/2023).

COMMUNITY COLLABORATOR AND OLDER ADULT EXPERIENCES WITH INTERVENTIONS DELIVERED BY OLDER ADULTS

Abstract This symposium will include researchers, collaborators from healthcare and social service organizations, and older adults serving as volunteer coaches or peer educators; speakers will describe their experiences conducting two randomized controlled trials involving behavioral interventions for older adults delivered by older adults. The first trial is a NIMH-funded three-site RCT for community-dwelling older adults with symptoms of depression, in which participants receive behavioral activation delivered by a masters-level clinician or a streamlined version (“Do More, Feel Better”) delivered by an older adult volunteer. This trial involves close collaboration with senior centers and an Area Agency on Aging (AAA). The second trial is a PCORI-funded RCT to reduce health disparities for Black/African-American and Hispanic/Latino older adults after medical hospitalization, in which participants receive the evidence-based Care Transitions Intervention (CTI), CTI plus a peer educator intervention, or usual care. This trial involves close collaboration with three regional hospital systems and an AAA. First, research investigators will describe the background, rationale, and methodology of each trial. Second, two representatives from the collaborating organizations (one from each trial) will present about their experiences collaborating on these trials – benefits of collaborating, challenges and strategies for overcoming challenges, and recommendations for other researchers engaged in similar community-based research. Third, two representatives from the older adult volunteers and peer educators (one from each trial) will present about their experiences collaborating on these trials – benefits of collaborating, challenges and strategies for overcoming challenges, and recommendations for other researchers engaged in similar community-based research.