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Evaluation of a N ew Z ealand program to improve transition of care for older high risk adults
Author(s) -
Robinson Thomas E,
Zhou Lifeng,
Kerse Ngaire,
Scott John DR,
Christiansen Jonathan P,
Holland Karen,
Armstrong Delwyn E,
Bramley Dale
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
australasian journal on ageing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.63
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1741-6612
pISSN - 1440-6381
DOI - 10.1111/ajag.12232
Subject(s) - regression discontinuity design , psychological intervention , medicine , observational study , intervention (counseling) , transitional care , emergency department , emergency medicine , health care , nursing , pathology , economics , economic growth
Transition interventions aim to improve care and reduce hospital readmissions but evaluations of these interventions have reported inconsistent results. We report on the evaluation of an intervention implemented in A uckland, N ew Z ealand. Participants were people over the age of 65 who had an acute medical admission and were at high risk of readmission. The intervention included an improved discharge process and nurse telephone follow‐up soon after discharge. Outcomes were 28 day readmission rates and emergency attendances. The study is observational, using both interrupted times series and regression discontinuity designs. 5239 patients were treated over a one year period. There was no change in readmission rates or ED attendances or secondary outcomes. Not all patients received all components of the intervention. This transition intervention was not successful. Possible reasons for this and implications are discussed. Although non‐experimental methods were used, we believe the results are robust.