Participation and knowledge related to a nursing home admission decision among a working age population

The number of nursing home admissions for working age people (age 18–64) in the USA has increased. Minimal attention has been given to examining their participation in the admission decision. We use a conceptual framework proposed by Ong and colleagues to examine patient and provider predictors of perceived involvement in the admission decision and their relationship to both knowledge and preferences for continued care. In-person interviews were conducted with an admissions cohort of 205 working age individuals in 17 Maryland, USA nursing homes. Similar to previous profiles, participants were predominately male, of minority ethnic status, and of lower socioeconomic status. Common clinical conditions included cardiac disease (49.8%) and diabetes (27.3%). Slightly over half reported a lot (42.1%) or a moderate (15.2%) level of involvement in the admission decision, while 27.9% reported no involvement. Patient race, insurance source and knowledge of the health care decision maker were related to perceived involvement. Minority ethnic group patients were less likely to be aware of alternate settings for care, while patients who knew the medical decision maker were more aware of alternate settings, as well as their expected length of stay. Participants who perceived greater involvement in the decision more often preferred continued care in the nursing home, relative to their own home or other settings. Ethical, practical and legal concerns support involving individuals in this health care decision. Ways to foster improved communication and interpersonal relationships between patients and their health care provider(s) are thus required.