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Data collection in the Adult Day Health Care Evaluation Study
M Chapko1, M L Rothman, J Ehreth
1HSR&D Field Program, VA Medical Center, Seattle, WA.
Medical Care
|September 1, 1993
Summary
This study outlines data collection methods for evaluating Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It details patient and caregiver health measures, satisfaction, and healthcare utilization and costs over one year.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Health Services Research
- Clinical Evaluation
Background:
- Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) programs are crucial for supporting veterans' health and well-being.
- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) requires robust evaluation methods to assess ADHC effectiveness.
- Comprehensive data collection is essential for understanding patient outcomes and caregiver support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present standardized data collection measures and methods for evaluating VA's Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) programs.
- To establish a framework for assessing patient health status, caregiver burden, and satisfaction with care.
- To analyze healthcare utilization and associated costs for ADHC participants over a one-year period.
Main Methods:
- Patient health was assessed using measures including survival, Sickness Impact Profile, self-rated health, Mini-Mental State Exam, Psychological Distress Scale, Social Support Scale, and Problem Behaviors Scale.
- Caregiver health was evaluated using Activities of Daily Living, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, health perceptions, Psychological Distress Scale, life satisfaction, Social Support Scale, and Caregiver Burden Scale.
- Healthcare utilization and costs were tracked through VA databases, medical records, patient/caregiver questionnaires, and external provider data over 12 months.
Main Results:
- Data collection protocols were established for comprehensive evaluation of ADHC services.
- A range of patient and caregiver health metrics were systematically gathered.
- Detailed information on healthcare utilization and costs, both within and outside the VA system, was collected for a full year.
Conclusions:
- The presented measures and methods provide a robust framework for evaluating the impact and cost-effectiveness of VA's Adult Day Health Care programs.
- This systematic approach allows for a holistic understanding of patient and caregiver experiences and outcomes.
- The findings support evidence-based improvements in ADHC service delivery for veterans.