Skilled nursing facility operating capacity dropped by 5% in the U.S. between 2019 and 2024, according to a study published Jan. 12 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Researchers analyzed CMS data from 2018 to 2024 to identify capacity changes at skilled nursing facilities after the COVID-19 pandemic, and assessed whether capacity changes were associated with staffing shortages and hospital discharge outcomes.
Here are five notes from the study:
- While overall operating capacity declined by 5% between 2019 and 2024, the number of licensed skilled nursing facility beds declined by 2.5%.
- Capacity declines varied by geographic location, with 1 in 4 counties experiencing declines of over 15%.
- The largest capacity declines were found in rural counties and counties with more frequent skilled nursing facility staffing shortages.
- Among skilled nursing facilities that experienced capacity declines, nearby hospitals had increased mean length of stay and increased median distance travelled to skilled nursing facilities post-discharge.
- “Results of this study suggest that skilled nursing facility capacity in the U.S. has declined since the start of the pandemic, likely related to staffing shortages,” the study authors said. “These declines may reduce older adults’ access to skilled nursing facility care and disrupt hospital discharges.”
Read the full study here.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.