Identifying Factors to Reduce Hospital Visits in Dementia Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Nothelle Stephanie, Ahmidouch Mohamed, Loosen Julia, Boyd Cynthia, Wolff Jennifer
Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
What modifiable factors contribute to potentially preventable acute care visits in persons living with dementia?
Conclusion
The study found that electronic medical records contain information about unmet care needs that could help prevent unnecessary hospital visits for dementia patients.
Supporting Evidence
- The study included adults over 64 years with a dementia diagnosis and advanced chronic illnesses.
- 69% of the participants were female.
- 53% of the participants were white.
- 37% of participants had at least one patient/caregiver initiated portal message.
- The most common needs identified were related to care coordination and access to care.
Takeaway
This study looked at messages and notes from doctors to find out what could help dementia patients avoid going to the hospital. They found that many patients had needs that could be fixed with better care coordination.
Methodology
The study analyzed patient secure portal messages and outpatient clinical notes from the Johns Hopkins Health System electronic medical record.
Participant Demographics
Of the 128 participants, 75 (69%) were female and 68 (53%) were white, all aged over 64 with a dementia diagnosis and at least one advanced chronic illness.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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