There may be a link between cognitive impairment and discharge destination for patients with dementia, according to a study published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society.
A two-year study of patients 65 and over found those with dementia who were discharged to a skilled nursing facility were readmitted to a hospital less quickly than those who were discharged to a home. Inversely, patients without dementia who were discharged to a skilled nursing facility had higher readmission rates than if discharged to a community setting.
Researchers suggested skilled nursing facilities provide better medication adherence and earlier recognition of symptoms, helping to prevent readmission. Additionally, researchers said physical illness and cognitive function should factor into transition plans for patients.
More Articles on Readmissions:
Study: Medication Adherence Not Linked to Reduced Readmissions
Study: Risk-Stratified Triage Reduces Cardiac Readmissions
How UNC Health Care Uses Natural Language Processing to Reduce Readmissions