Abstract Objective: To describe changes in the health service delivery process experienced by professionals, patients and informal caregivers during implementation of a national programme to improve quality of care of geriatric rehabilitation by improving integration of health service delivery processes. Study setting: Sixteen skilled nursing facilities. Study design: Prospective study, comparing three consecutive cohorts. Data collection: Professionals (elderly care physicians, physiotherapists and nursing staff) rated four domains of health service delivery at admission and at discharge of 1075 patients. In addition, these patients [median age 79 (Interquartile range 71–85) years, 63% females] and their informal caregivers rated their experiences on these domains 4 weeks after discharge. Principal findings: During the three consecutive cohorts, professionals reported improvement on the domain team cooperation, including assessment for intensive treatment and information transfer among professionals. Fewer improvements were reported within the domains alignment with patients’ needs, care coordination and care quality. Between the cohorts, according to patients (n = 521) and informal caregivers (n = 319) there were no changes in the four domains of health service delivery. Conclusion: This national programme resulted in small improvements in team cooperation as reported by the professionals. No effects were found on patients’ and informal caregivers’ perceptions of health service delivery.
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BackgroundThere is a shift from inpatient to home-based geriatric rehabilitation (HBGR), and potential benefits are demonstrated. Previously, a theoretical HBGR model, version 1.0, has been developed, outlining its essential components. However, clear guidance on the practical design and organisation of HBGR in everyday practice is still lacking. Therefore, determining the optimal design for this complex intervention is essential for its successful implementation in daily practice. The objective of this study is to redesign the theoretical HBGR trajectory and assess its feasibility, acceptability, and usability from both patient and professional perspectives.MethodsA redesign and feasibility study based on the MRC framework was conducted in a Dutch skilled nursing facility using the MRC framework in co-creation with eleven healthcare professionals and four patient representatives. The HBGR trajectory 1.0, comprises four building blocks (structure, process, environment, and outcomes) based on the Post-Acute-Care rehabilitation quality framework. Version 1.0 was redesigned during the development phase and subsequently pilot-tested in daily practice during the feasibility phase. Adjustments were made based on semi-structured interviews with ten patients and (interim) evaluations.ResultsThe HBGR trajectory 1.0 has been redesigned into version 2.0. It contains eleven elements: individualised goal setting, providing HBGR is the default unless otherwise indicated, an information letter, blended eHealth, mapping the patient’s living environment, stimulation support from informal caregivers, collaboration with community care nursing, rehabilitation coordination, central planning, therapy at home, and online multidisciplinary evaluation. Version 2.0 was enthusiastically endorsed by patients, patient representatives, and professionals, who found it feasible, acceptable, and usable in daily practice.ConclusionThe HBGR trajectory 1.0 was adapted, tested, and finally redesigned into version 2.0. The study revealed that involving patients, their representatives, and healthcare professionals was critical to garnering support and facilitating implementation. Key developments align with global trends and include the successful integration of eHealth with traditional treatment methods, enhanced collaboration and knowledge sharing among community care nurses, and increased involvement of informal caregivers in rehabilitation. This redesigned HBGR trajectory is ready for evaluation and implementation in follow-up effectiveness research.
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Key summary points Aim To describe a guidance on the management of post-acute COVID 19 patients in geriatric rehabilitation. Findings This guidance addresses general requirements for post-acute COVID-19 geriatric rehabilitation and critical aspects for quality assurance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the guidance describes relevant care processes and procedures divided in five topics: patient selection; admission; treatment; discharge; and follow-up and monitoring. Message This guidance is designed to provide support to care professionals involved in the geriatric rehabilitation treatment of post-acute COVID-19 patients.
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