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Post-hospital care for the underserved: a review
1Department of Health Services Administration, Howard University School of Business, Washington, DC 20059.
Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Rapid hospital discharge policies neglect barriers for underserved populations, leading to increased long-stay patients (LSPs). Addressing these access issues is crucial for improving post-acute care for vulnerable individuals.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Health Policy
- Gerontology
Background:
- Hospital discharge policies aim for efficiency but create barriers for underserved populations.
- Long-stay patients (LSPs) remain hospitalized post-treatment due to difficulties accessing post-acute care.
- The growing number of LSPs necessitates a deeper examination of their unique challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the characteristics of LSPs.
- To identify obstacles faced by LSPs in accessing post-acute care.
- To analyze the impact of healthcare reform on underserved LSPs' access to care.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing existing research on LSPs.
- Analysis of barriers to post-acute care access for vulnerable patient groups.
- Discussion of policy implications for healthcare reform.
Main Results:
- LSPs often belong to underserved populations facing systemic barriers to care.
- Lack of access to facilities like nursing homes prolongs hospital stays.
- Current policies may exacerbate disparities in post-acute care access.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare policies must address specific barriers faced by underserved LSPs.
- Improved access to post-acute care is essential for vulnerable populations.
- Policymakers need to prioritize equitable access to post-acute care services.