SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Assessing Vulnerabilities in Transitions for Covid-19 Patients Discharged on Oxygen

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This abstract describes a quality-improvement study examining discharge planning for hospitalized COVID-19 patients who were sent home with new oxygen after clinical improvement. The authors note that these patients may face special risks during the transition from hospital to home because they still need oxygen support and require clear instructions, monitoring, and follow-up.<br /><br />Using chart review at an academic quaternary care center, the team identified 72 COVID-19 patients discharged from the medicine service with new home oxygen between December 2020 and March 2021. They collected data on 30-day readmission, discharge instructions, and scheduled follow-up appointments. A phone survey of 26 patients assessed whether home oxygen use and delivery were explained well and whether patients understood their follow-up plans.<br /><br />The results showed a 30-day readmission rate of 11.1% in this home-oxygen group, compared with 7.8% among all COVID-19 medicine patients during the same period, suggesting this subgroup is at higher risk for adverse outcomes. Although chart review found that 79% had follow-up appointments scheduled within 30 days, patient perceptions did not always match the electronic record. In the survey, 20% of participants said discharge felt rushed and that they wanted more education before leaving the hospital. Some patients also reported home equipment problems (8%).<br /><br />Overall, the study highlights vulnerabilities in the transition of care for COVID-19 patients discharged on oxygen. The authors conclude that better early education, standardized written discharge instructions, and more consistent post-discharge follow-up could improve patient experience and potentially reduce readmissions.

Asset Subtitle

Nnamdi Igwe

Meta Tag

Author List Andrew S. Dunn, Anne S. Linker, Beth Raucher, Jung Eun Ha, Nnamdi Igwe, Vinh-Tung P. Nguyen

Category Research

Concept Discharge Planning

Concept Discharge Follow-up

Concept COVID-19

Concept Home Oxygen

Concept Transitional Care

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Presenting Author Nnamdi Igwe

Track Transitions of Care

Keywords

COVID-19

discharge planning

home oxygen

hospital discharge

readmission

transition of care

patient education

follow-up appointments

quality improvement

care coordination

Discharge Planning

Discharge Follow-up

COVID-19

Home Oxygen

Transitional Care