The nature of safety problems among Canadian homecare clients: evidence from the RAI-HC reporting system
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Published on: December 23, 2020
Diane M Doran1, John Hirdes, Régis Blais
1Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. diane.doran@utoronto.ca
Aim(S):
The purpose of this study was to identify the nature of patient safety problems among Canadian homecare (HC) clients, using data collected through the RAI-HC((c)) assessment instrument.
Background:
Problems of patient safety have been well documented in hospitals. However, we have very limited data about patient safety problems among HC clients.
Method(S):
The study methodology involved a secondary analysis of data collected through the Canadian home care reporting system. The study sample consisted of all HC clients who qualified to receive a RAI-HC assessment from Ontario, Nova Scotia and Winnipeg Regional Health Authority for the 2003-2007 reporting period. There were a total of 238 958 cases available for analysis; 205 953 from Ontario, 26 751 from Nova Scotia and 6254 from Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.
Results:
New fall (11%), unintended weight loss (9%), new emergency room (ER) visits (7%) and new hospital visits (8%) were the most prevalent potential adverse events identified in our study. A small proportion of the HC clients experienced a new urinary tract infection (2%).
Conclusion(S):
Understanding clients' risk profiles is foundational to effective patient care management.
Implications For Nursing Management:
We need to begin to develop evidence about best practices for ameliorating safety risk.
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