Keywords

Geriatrics, multiple chronic conditions, patient transfer, self-management, treatment burden

 

Authors

  1. Schreiner, Nathanial PhD, MBA, RN

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to measure treatment burden in adults diagnosed with multiple chronic conditions transitioning from a skilled nursing facility to home.

 

Design: Prospective, two-time point, cohort design utilizing convenience sampling from one skilled nursing facility in Northeast, Ohio.

 

Methods: Seventy-four men and women participated answering self-report questions measuring treatment burden at two time points: prior to discharge and 30 days after discharge.

 

Results: t-test analysis determined treatment burden was not statistically different between time points (p > .05). Multivariate analysis explained 23% of treatment burden's variance, with the severity of multiple chronic conditions and the presence of a caregiver predicting treatment burden (p < .05).

 

Conclusion: Findings were contrary to our hypothesis of this population being at risk for high treatment burden.

 

Clinical Relevance: Moderate, fluctuating levels of treatment burden suggest that it is possible to estimate demands of treatment prior to discharge from the skilled nursing facility to better inform discharge planning.