19 Sep Cognitive Impairment and Hospital Readmissions

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Mark W. Ketterer, PhD, ABPP
Senior Bioscientific Staff
Henry Ford Hospital/A2
Detroit, MI 48202
Clinical Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences
Department of Psychiatry Wayne State University

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings of the study:

Dr. Ketterer:  A survey of 84 patients admitted to Henry Ford Hospital found 54% to have Moderate-Severe Cognitive Impairment (CI).

MedicalResearch.com: Where any of the findings unexpected?

Dr. Ketterer:  The prevalence rate of CI in this sample was approximately three times higher than anticipated, and was the most potent predictor of readmission within 30 days.

Discussion of the causes of readmission rarely mention CI despite the fact that it interferes with pill-taking, dietary restrictions, early symptom concern/reaction and prescription renewal.

A history of treatment for emotional distress was also a predictor of 30 day readmissions.

MedicalResearch.com: What should patients and providers take away from this report?

Dr. Ketterer: CI has been found to affect not only healthcare utilization, but also Mortality.  Greater awareness and education of cohabiting family, and more reliable med supervision may avoid recurrent medical crises causing readmission and deaths.

MedicalResearch.com: What further research do you recommend as a result of your report?

Dr. Ketterer: Intervention studies need to test the hypothesis that family behavior can  be altered to improve adherence.  Some innovative technologies may also be available to improve med adherence.

 Citation:

Behavioral Factors and Hospital Admissions/Readmissions in Patients With CHF
Mark W. Ketterer, Ph.D., Cathy Draus, R.N., James McCord, M.D., Usamah Mossallam, M.D., Michael Hudson, M.D.
Psychosomatics, Available online 7 September 2013
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.psym.2013.06.019
Available online 7 September 2013

Last Updated on September 19, 2013 by Marie Benz MD FAAD