ST. PAUL, Minn., Jan. 09, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PHS Medical Director Roy Maynard, MD, recently collaborated with local health care providers on a 12-month study of children with medical complexities discharging to home health care to determine the causes for delayed discharge and how a shortage of home care nurses impacted the outcome.
The study reveals the home care nursing (HCN) shortage is the primary cause of delayed hospital discharge for children discharging to home care. Delayed Discharge (DD) occurred in 68.5% of new patients and 9% of existing patients. Lack of HCN was the most frequent cause of DD, increasing costs and directly accounting for an average length of stay increase of more than 53 days and more than 36 days for new and existing patients, respectively. Of the 1,582 DDs, more than 90% were directly attributed to lack of HCN availability. This prolonged hospitalization significantly raises costs and decreases quality of life for the patient and family.
The study also shows medical setbacks, not failed home care, account for most nonelective 90-day re-admissions. More than 97% were due to medical setbacks and occurred in more than half of new patients and 45% of existing patients.
“Our findings clearly demonstrate the negative impact the home care nursing shortage has on this population. Kids should not be hospitalized this long,” said Dr. Roy Maynard. “More must be done to attract caregivers to this profession, so these children have the opportunity to thrive at home with their family.”
Dr. Maynard’s video summary and written abstract may be found at the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Interview and photo requests may be directed to Katlyn Bourget, Sr. Digital & PR Specialist at PHS at 651-789-0937 or kjbourget@pediatrichomeservice.com
About Pediatric Home Service
Based in St. Paul, Minn., with an office location in Pewaukee, Wisc., Pediatric Home Service is an independent pediatric home care company that helps children with medical complexities and technology dependencies live safely and successfully where they're most comfortable, at home with their families, rather than in a hospital. Pediatric Home Service has been partnering with health care professionals and family caregivers for nearly three decades to deliver compassionate, specialized, high-quality care to children with special medical needs.
Katlyn Bourget
Sr. Digital & PR Specialist
651-789-0937
kjbourget@pediatrichomeservice.com