Major communication gaps found between hospitals, home health clinicians in Colorado

A survey of Colorado home healthcare clinicians found major gaps in communication between hospitals and home healthcare staff, including some that could lead to significant medical consequences, researchers report in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association.

The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora.

"We have heard of medication errors occurring between hospitals and home healthcare providers," said lead study author Christine Jones, MD. "As a result, patients can receive the wrong medication or the wrong dose. Some home health providers don't get accurate information about how long to leave a urinary catheter or intravenous line in."

The researchers surveyed nurses and staff at 56 home healthcare agencies in Colorado. Participants received a 48-question survey on communication between hospitals and home healthcare clinicians, patient safety, pending tests, medication schedules, clinician contact and other areas.

Sixty percent of survey respondents said they had not received enough information to guide patient treatment, and 52 percent said patients often had unrealistic expectations of the kind of care they would receive.

More than half said hospitals did not adequately prepare patients for home healthcare upon discharge, the survey found. They also said patients often expected a level of home care that was not available, such as extended hours, housekeeping and help with transportation.

However, the survey found healthcare workers who could access EHRs for referring providers had fewer problems relating to a lack of information about patients, including critical medication data.

To avoid frustration, the study authors suggested targeted education of hospital staff about what services home health clinicians provide to patients and caregivers.

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