Predictive factors for patients discharged after participating in a post-acute care program

PurposeThis prospective study aims to determine predictive factors for patients to be discharged to home after receiving post-acute care (PAC) services and to improve the case-finding criteria for PAC services in Taiwan.MethodsElder patients admitted to Taichung Veterans General Hospital for treatment of an acute illness were assessed by simplified comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) and clinical evaluation. Patients with functional recovery potential were transferred to community hospitals for further PAC service. Discharging status from a PAC unit to a home or long-term care facility was recorded.ResultsFrom January 2009 to September 2010, 123 patients were recruited. 40 patients didn’t receive complete PAC service and the remaining 83 patients completed the program. Among the 83 patients that completed the program, 56 patients (67.5%) were discharged to home and 27 patients (32.5%) were transferred to long-term care facilities. The Barthel index (BI) before receiving PAC was low (35.0 ± 21.34) and all patients had below average nutrition. Using multiple logistic regression analysis, patients receiving prior orthopedic surgery, living with other people and in a malnourished state were more likely to be discharged to home after receiving PAC service.ConclusionTwo-thirds of PAC patients can be safely discharged to home after receiving PAC services. Patients who live with other people, have prior orthopedic surgeries, and have good nutritional status represented predictive factors for returning home safely.