Emergency Transfers of the Elderly from Nursing Facilities to CAHs (Policy Brief #32)

Authors

Karen B. Pearson MLIS, MA, University of Southern Maine, Maine Rural Health Research CenterFollow
Andrew F. Coburn PhD, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service, Maine Rural Health Research CenterFollow

Document Type

Policy Brief

Publication Date

1-2013

Keywords

MRHRC

Topics

Community Impact, EMS (Emergency Medical Services), Nursing Facilities, Patient Safety

Abstract

Research has shown that essential information is often missing during transfer of nursing residents to the Emergency Department (ED), and communication problems between nursing facilities and EDs are one of the most cited barriers to providing quality patient care. Tools, such as transfer forms and checklists, that improve communication between settings of care help improve patient safety and quality of care. This Flex Monitoring Team study assesses the evidence base and best practices for improving the nursing facility-to-hospital transitions of care.

Key Findings:

• Transfers to the hospital emergency department (ED) are common for many nursing facility (NF) residents, with over 25% experiencing at least one ED visit annually, and many encountering repeat visits.
• Communication issues, including incomplete information during transfer, impact clinical care of the elderly NF resident transferred to the ED.
• Several studies strongly recommend the use of standardized transfer forms as a way of improving communication, which ultimately improves patient safety and quality of care. However, standardized transfer forms, in and of themselves, are not sufficient to solve communication issues between the sites of care (NF, EMS, ED).
• The establishment of ongoing relationships between hospital, EMS, and nursing facility staff help facilitate effective communication regarding patient needs during the transfer process and encourage the development of a systems approach to the transition of care.

Funding Organization

Federal Office of Rural Health Policy

Grant Number

U27RH01080

Recommended Citation

Pearson, Karen B. MLIS, MA and Coburn, Andrew F. PhD, "Emergency Transfers of the Elderly from Nursing Facilities to CAHs (Policy Brief #32)" (2013). Emergency Medical Services (EMS). 10.
https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/ems/10