Implementation and Evaluation of a Complex Intervention to Reduce Avoidable Transitions Between Nursing Home and Hospital

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

RATHER-NH Toolkit: A) Stop and Watch Early Warning Tool B) Decision trees C) General Practitioner communication tool

Study summary

Hospital admissions can have a negative impact on the physical and emotional health of nursing home residents. Although evidence-based interventions have been developed to reduce hospitalisations, the evidence regarding their effectiveness is inconclusive and challenges have been reported in implementing these interventions within the nursing home context. Hence, this study aimed to implement and evaluate a complex intervention to reduce avoidable transitions between nursing home and hospital (RATHER-NH).

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Outcomes on healthcare use per 100 person-months — Retrospective baseline measurement of 3 months, during the intervention (period of 9 months) untill 3 months post-intervention for the post-interventions measurement.
  Rate of hospitalisations per 100 person-months, rate of out-of-hours GP contacts per 100 person-months, rate of emergency department visits (without hospitalisation) per 100 person-months.
• Outcomes on healthcare use per hospitalisation — Retrospective baseline measurement of 3 months, during the intervention (period of 9 months) untill 3 months post-intervention for the post-interventions measurement.
  Length of hospital stay, cause of hospitalisation, hospitalisation in the last month of life (in case of death) and place of death

Trial sites (6)

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