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Acute hospital admissions from nursing homes: some may be avoidable
C E Bowman1, J Elford, J Dovey
1Department of Clinical Geratology, Weston General Hospital, Weston-super-Mare, Avon BS23 4TQ, UK.
Postgraduate Medical Journal
|December 21, 2000
Summary
Nursing home residents experience high hospital admission rates, often due to infections and heart failure. Improved chronic disease management and specialist support could reduce these avoidable acute hospital admissions.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Healthcare Management
- Public Health
Background:
- Nursing homes are a significant source of acute hospital admissions.
- Variability exists in admission rates between similar facilities.
- Common reasons for admission include infections and heart failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze acute hospital admission rates from nursing homes.
- To identify common causes for these admissions.
- To explore potential strategies for reducing avoidable admissions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective survey of acute hospital admissions.
- Data collected over one year from nursing homes to a district hospital.
- Analysis of admission rates and diagnoses.
Main Results:
- High overall hospital admission rates observed.
- Significant variation in admission rates among nursing homes.
- Infections and poorly controlled heart failure were common medical admissions.
Conclusions:
- A substantial number of admissions may be preventable.
- Enhanced chronic disease management is crucial.
- Improved emergency call information and in-situ specialist support can reduce hospitalizations.
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