1 Quality of Care Transitions: Older Adults' Experiences in An Integrated Care Trust. (16th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thorley, N; Chakravorty, M; Schiff, R; Oikonomou, E; Symes, R; Seymour, E; Vincent, C
• Is Part Of: Age and ageing. Volume 50(2021)Supplement 1
• Page Start: i1
• Page End: i6
• Publication Date: 2021-03-16
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afab028.01
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-0729

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: The transition of care from hospital to home is a high-risk time for older adults. The Partners at Care Transitions (PACT) programme aims to improve safety and quality of care transitions. We aimed to test the feasibility of using the Partners at Care Transitions Measure (PACT-M) to evaluate older adults' experiences of the transition from hospital to home in an Inner London Integrated Care Trust and to identify factors impacting transition quality. Methods: The PACT-M, a validated patient-reported questionnaire designed to evaluate care transitions, was administered to patients ≥65 years at 7, 30 and 90 days post-discharge. Likert scores were analysed quantitatively and manual thematic analysis performed on free-text comments. Results: 101 participants were recruited. Mean age 77.8 years. 84, 70 and 65 participants completed follow-up at 7, 30 and 90 days, respectively. At 7 days, 92% felt prepared to be at home. 61% felt staff prepared them for things they might find difficult at home. By 30 days, 81% reported an adverse event, most commonly unplanned healthcare utilisation. At 90 days, 78% felt they had adequate support from community services. 40% had difficulty getting an appointment with a healthcare professional. Factors impacting patients' experience of transition quality are shown in Table 1. Conclusions: The PACT-M was a useful measure that allowed us to explore older adults' experiences of care transition and identify areas for improvement. By improving continuity and co-ordination, Integrated Care has the potential to improve transition safety and quality. Older adults' experience of transition was largely positive; however, greater cohesion of services is needed to overcome gaps in the Integrated Care pathway experienced by patients.