Associations of continuity of postdischarge care with healthcare outcomes and expenses among patients with ischemic stroke
缺血性腦中風病人出院後照護連續性與照護結果及醫療費用之關係
Journal
Taiwan Journal of Public Health
Journal Volume
41
Journal Issue
1
Pages
69-80
Date Issued
2022-02-01
Author(s)
Lin, Ying Hsuan
Abstract
Objectives: The mortality and readmission rates of patients with stroke after discharge are high, and the associated medical costs are high. Patients receiving fragmented care after discharge have an increased hospitalization rate and higher medical expenses than other patients. Studies have indicated that the better is the continuity of care among patients with stroke, the lower is their mortality rate after discharge. However, the relationship between the continuity of care and hospitalizations and medical expenses is unclear. This study explored the associations of the continuity of postdischarge care with healthcare outcomes and expenses among patients with ischemic stroke. Methods: Patients hospitalized for ischemic stroke were included in a nationally representative sample using data from the Health and Welfare Data Science Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare. The continuity of care index (COCI) was calculated using outpatient data after discharge. The patients were divided into low, medium, and high COCI groups. Logistic regression, negative binomial regression, and gamma regression were used to explore the associations of care continuity with mortality, hospitalizations, and medical expenses. Results: A total of 2, 447 patients were included. High continuity of care was related to low mortality, low hospitalizations, and low medical expenses. Conclusions: High continuity of care among patients with ischemic stroke is associated with a reduction in hospitalizations and a low risk of death. Therefore, healthcare authorities can increase the continuity of care to improve patient outcomes and reduce medical expenses.
Subjects
continuity ofcare | ischemic stroke | medical expense | outcomes ofcare
SDGs
Publisher
Taiwan Public Health Association
Type
journal article