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Information/Education Rep
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An Insight Into Pressure Ulcer Patient Flow Within the Health Care Continuum First Author: David Williams Authors: David V. Williams; Michael S. Keith, PhD, PharmD; Patti Smith, MD Objective: This retrospective analysis aims to provide insight and understanding regarding the progression paths of pressure ulcer (PrU) patients through the various health care treatment settings. Methodology: Patient data and site of service were captured using the 2004 MarketScan Medicare database. Health care treatment sites for PrU patients were tracked by quarter and compared to a general population (GP) cohort. Results: Among patients with inpatient utilization in the first quarter, most were discharged into homecare and outpatient settings. A greater percentage of PrU (16%) than GP patients (2.1%) transitioned from inpatient into homecare during the second quarter (O.R. 11.4). PrU patients were more likely to transition to the ER setting (4.3% vs 0.7%; O.R. 8.5) after inpatient service. PrU patients initially treated in the SNF setting most commonly transitioned into inpatient care during the subsequent quarter; whereas GP patients tended to transition into home health or outpatient care. PrU patients initially treated at home were less likely than GP to have an outpatient visit in the subsequent quarter (61% vs. 75%; OR 0.6). Conclusion: Differences in patient flows among care settings were observed between PrU and GP patients. This is informative when treating PrU patients and considering quality improvement efforts. |
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