Improving Patient Activation among Older Veterans: Results from a Social Worker-Led Care Transitions Intervention

Older veterans enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) often use both VHA and non-VHA providers for their care. This dual use, especially around an inpatient visit, can lead to fragmented care during the time of transition post-discharge. Interventions that target patient activation may...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of gerontological social work 2022, Vol.65 (1), p.63-77
Main Authors: Koufacos, Nicholas S., May, Justine, Judon, Kimberly M., Franzosa, Emily, Dixon, Brian E., Schubert, Cathy C., Schwartzkopf, Ashley L., Guerrero, Vivian M., Traylor, Morgan, Boockvar, Kenneth S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aftercare
Aged
care coordination
Care plans
Clinical outcomes
Discharge
Drugs
Health services
Health status
Hospitals
Humans
Inpatient care
Intervention
Intervention research
Military hospitals
military veterans
Older people
Patient Discharge
Patient Participation
Patient Transfer
Patients
person-centered care
Social Workers
United States
United States Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans
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Summary:Older veterans enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) often use both VHA and non-VHA providers for their care. This dual use, especially around an inpatient visit, can lead to fragmented care during the time of transition post-discharge. Interventions that target patient activation may be valuable ways to help veterans manage complex medication regimens and care plans from multiple providers. The Care Transitions Intervention (CTI) is an evidence-based model that helps older adults gain confidence and skills to achieve their health goals post-discharge. Our study examined the impact of CTI upon patient activation for veterans discharged from non-VHA hospitals. In total, 158 interventions were conducted for 87 veterans. From baseline to follow-up there was a significant 1.7-point increase in patient activation scores, from 5.4 to 7.1. This association was only found among those who completed the intervention. The most common barriers to completion were difficulty reaching the veteran by phone, patient declining the intervention, and rehospitalization during the 30 days post-discharge. Care transitions guided by social workers may be a promising way to improve patient activation. However, future research and practice should address barriers to completion and examine the impact of increased patient activation on health outcomes.
ISSN:0163-4372
1540-4048
DOI:10.1080/01634372.2021.1932003