SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Patient Experience With Admissions From an Academic Medical Center Emergency Department to a Community Hospital

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A study by James D. Harrison and colleagues examined patient experiences with a program that transfers lower-acuity patients from an academic medical center emergency department to a community hospital for faster admission. The goal was to understand whether patients saw the transfer as beneficial and what problems they experienced.<br /><br />Researchers interviewed 40 randomly selected patients transferred from UCSF to St. Mary’s Medical Center between February 2019 and February 2020. Interviews were conducted by phone and analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.<br /><br />Most patients understood why the transfer was recommended and appreciated the chance for quicker admission and care. About 88% understood the reason for transfer, and many valued avoiding a long wait in the emergency department. However, 36% felt the transfer decision was not truly theirs, suggesting limited patient agency. Some patients felt they were simply told they had to go, rather than being given a clear voluntary choice.<br /><br />A smaller group reported billing and payment problems, including unexpected ambulance charges and insurance coverage issues. There were also mixed expectations about hospital size and care quality, with some participants assuming a larger academic hospital would provide better care, while others found the care at the community hospital comparable.<br /><br />Overall, the study concluded that transfer programs can help “right-size” care by matching patient acuity to the appropriate hospital setting. Still, successful programs should clearly explain the benefits, emphasize that participation is voluntary, and protect patients from financial risk. Patient voice and decision-making should be central to improving these transfer initiatives.

Asset Subtitle

James D. Harrison

Meta Tag

Author List Alexander D. Kazberouk, Ari Hoffman, James D. Harrison, Michael Chang, Nicole Boyd, Priya A. Prasad, Sandra Oreper

Category Research

Concept Patient Transfer Program

Concept Patient Autonomy

Concept Patient Acuity

Concept Patient Agency

Concept Patient Feedback

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization University of California San Francisco

Presenting Author James D. Harrison

Track Transitions of Care

Keywords

patient transfer

emergency department

community hospital

academic medical center

patient experience

hospital admission

voluntary choice

billing issues

insurance coverage

care quality

Patient Transfer Program

Patient Autonomy

Patient Acuity

Patient Agency

Patient Feedback