Potentially Avoidable Hospitalizations among People at Different Activity of Daily Living Limitation Stages

Health Services Research, 2017 · DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.12484 · Published: February 1, 2017

Simple Explanation

The study examines whether people with more limitations in their daily activities (ADLs) are more likely to be hospitalized, especially for conditions that could be managed with good outpatient care. The research found that as ADL limitations increased, so did hospitalization rates for ambulatory care sensitive (ACS) conditions, more so than for non-ACS conditions. This suggests that adults with ADL limitations are particularly vulnerable to hospitalizations that could potentially be prevented with better care in outpatient settings.

Study Duration

1 Year

Participants

8,815 Medicare beneficiaries

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Hospitalization rates for ACS conditions increased more dramatically with ADL limitation stage than did rates for non-ACS conditions.
2
Adults with ADL limitations appear particularly vulnerable to potentially preventable hospitalizations for conditions typically manageable in ambulatory settings.
3
Almost 70 percent of ACS admissions for those at stage IV was for acute ACS conditions.

Research Summary

This study investigated the relationship between ADL limitation stages and hospitalization rates, focusing on ambulatory care-sensitive (ACS) conditions among Medicare beneficiaries. The findings revealed that higher ADL limitation stages were associated with increased risk of ACS hospitalizations, suggesting potential disparities in access to or provision of care. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to reduce disparities and improve healthcare quality for Medicare beneficiaries with disabilities, potentially leading to better quality of life and reduced healthcare costs.

Practical Implications

Targeted Interventions

Develop and implement targeted interventions to address the specific needs of people with ADL limitations, particularly those at higher stages, to reduce potentially avoidable hospitalizations.

Improve Access to Care

Enhance access to ambulatory care services for individuals with disabilities by addressing barriers such as transportation, facility accessibility, communication, and provider training.

Policy and Programmatic Planning

Inform policy and programmatic planning by combining the study's findings with cost information to address unmet needs and improve healthcare quality for people with disabilities.

Potentially Avoidable Hospitalizations among People at Different Activity of Daily Living Limitation Stages

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Targeted Interventions

Improve Access to Care

Policy and Programmatic Planning

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Potentially Avoidable Hospitalizations among People at Different Activity of Daily Living Limitation Stages

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Targeted Interventions

Improve Access to Care

Policy and Programmatic Planning

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?