| Title | Clinical characteristics and service needs of alternate-level-of-care patients waiting for long-term care in Ontario hospitals |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2010 |
| Authors | Costa AP, Hirdes JP |
| Journal | Healthcare Policy |
| Volume | 6 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pagination | 32-46 |
| Abstract | Background: Alternate-level-of-care (ALC) patients waiting for admission to long-term care (LTC) in Ontario hospitals are an important subgroup of ALC patients. Understanding the characteristics of ALC patients waiting for LTC can identify opportunities for alternative discharge options.Methods: Characteristics from a sample of 13,915 ALC patients waiting for LTC in acute and complex hospitals were analyzed and compared to those from a sample of 113,046 long-stay home care clients in Ontario. Population-level data were obtained using Ontario's RAI-HC database for the period January 2007 to September 2008.Findings: Relative to older long-stay home care clients, ALC patients waiting for LTC admission have more functional impairment and complex health needs. A combination of targeted transitional care and more resource-intensive home care services are needed to successfully address ALC patients' care needs in the community.Conclusions: A substantial portion of ALC patients waiting for LTC placement in acute and complex care hospitals may be more appropriately cared for in community settings if adequate community-centred resources are put in place. |
| PMCID | PMC292989 |
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