Emergency Department care coordination program for assisted living residents with dementia-A qualitative study

Emergency Department care coordination program for assisted living residents with dementia-A qualitative study
JAMA Network Open; by Grace F. Wittenberg, Peter T. Serina, Nichole E. Stetten, Ann Reddy, Ellen McCreedy; 8/25
Care transitions to the emergency department (ED) from assisted living centers (ALCs) for residents may include incomplete or inaccurate information during transfer. These transitions can be especially difficult for vulnerable populations, including persons living with dementia (PLWD). In this qualitative study of a care coordination intervention, CCMs [complex care managers] advocated for their patients remotely by filling information gaps, particularly for PLWD and patients in hospice, and perceived that the intervention was associated with improved patient care. CCMs also identified key areas for improvement, such as to increase ED staff awareness of the program and to expand program hours.