Identifying the core components of a nursing home hospital avoidance programme

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Geriatric Care
• Program Evaluation

Background:

• Nursing home hospital avoidance programs aim to reduce unnecessary emergency transfers.
• Clarity on core program components is essential for evaluation and replication.
• Core components are fundamental functions and principles for achieving desired outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the essential components of nursing home hospital avoidance programs.
• To assess the transferability of core components from one nursing home to another.
• To refine and validate these components for broader application.

Main Methods:

• Reviewing implementation data from a second nursing home (Site Two) based on components from a first (Site One).
• Identifying how existing components were applied and if new ones emerged.
• Achieving consensus on updated core components through evaluator feedback.

Main Results:

• Key components include Decision Support Tools, Advanced Clinical Skills Training, Specialist Clinical Support and Collaboration, Facility Policy and Procedures, Family and Care Recipient Education and Engagement, Culture of Staff Readiness, and Supportive Executive and Facility Management.
• The study identified eight essential core components for successful hospital avoidance programs.
• Adaptations and additions, like integrating into facility policy and enhancing family education, were necessary for successful translation.

Conclusions:

• This research highlights the importance of defining core components for hospital avoidance programs.
• It provides insights into the adaptation and necessity of specific components like policy integration and executive support.
• The identified components serve as evidence-based building blocks for future program development and evaluation.