SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Length of Stay and Functional Outcomes of Telehospitalist Coverage in a Rural Post-Acute Setting

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This retrospective descriptive study examined whether telehospitalist coverage affected length of stay and functional outcomes in a rural inpatient rehabilitation hospital. Researchers analyzed 1,945 patients with stroke or other mobility-limiting conditions discharged from Roosevelt Warm Springs Rehabilitation Hospital between January 2020 and December 2024. Telehospitalist care began on August 1, 2021, creating pre-telehealth (n=706) and post-telehealth (n=1,239) groups.<br /><br />The study used CMS Section GG data to measure self-care and mobility function at admission and discharge. Self-care was assessed with 7 items (scores 7–42) and mobility with 15 items (scores 15–90). Responsiveness to rehabilitation was evaluated using standardized response mean (SRM), and discharge living settings were grouped into levels of care. Mean length of stay was compared using t-tests.<br /><br />Results showed that average length of stay decreased significantly after telehealth implementation, from 15.7 days pre-telehealth to 14.4 days post-telehealth (p=0.001). Functional improvement was maintained in both groups. Self-care improved by 11.06 points pre-telehealth and 9.77 points post-telehealth, while mobility improved by 22.67 points pre-telehealth and 22.05 points post-telehealth. SRM values were consistent across groups, suggesting similar responsiveness to care before and after telehealth.<br /><br />Overall, the study found that telehospitalist coverage in a rural rehabilitation setting was feasible and associated with shorter hospital stays without reducing functional gains. The findings suggest telehealth can help address rural physician shortages while maintaining quality of rehabilitation care. Further research is needed to understand how clinical factors such as stroke severity, diagnosis, and baseline function influence outcomes.

Asset Subtitle

Jack Ridley

Meta Tag

Author List Ban Majeed, David W. Walsh, Jack Ridley

Category Research

Concept Telehospitalist Coverage

Concept Length of Stay

Concept Section GG Self-Care Score

Concept Section GG Mobility Score

Concept Functional Outcomes

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Medical College of Georgia

Presenting Author Jack Ridley

Track Technology in Hospital Medicine

Keywords

telehospitalist

telehealth

inpatient rehabilitation

length of stay

functional outcomes

rural hospital

stroke rehabilitation

mobility improvement

self-care function

CMS Section GG

Telehospitalist Coverage

Length of Stay

Section GG Self-Care Score

Section GG Mobility Score

Functional Outcomes