title: From nursing home to acute care: signs, symptoms, and strategies used to prevent transfer.
abstract: Older adults are vulnerable to experiencing physiologic changes that may permanently decrease functional abilities when transferring from the nursing home (NH) to the acute care setting. Making the right decision about who and when to transfer from the nursing home (NH) to acute care is critical for optimizing quality care. The specific aims of this study were to identify the common signs and symptoms exhibited by NH residents at the time of transfer to acute care and to identify strategies used to prevent transfer of NH residents. Using survey methodology, this descriptive study found change in level of consciousness, chest pressure/tightness, shortness of breath, decreased oxygenation, and muscle or bone pain were the highest ranked signs/symptoms requiring action. Actions to prevent transfer focused on stabilizing resident conditions and included hydration, oxygen, antibiotics, medications, symptom management, and providing additional physical assistance. When transfer was warranted, actions concentrated on the practical tasks of getting the residents transferred.
authors.affiliation: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Nursing, 4601 4th Street, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA. Electronic address: alyce.ashcraft@ttuhsc.edu.
authors.forename: Alyce S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Ashcraft
authors.affiliation: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Nursing, 4601 4th Street, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
authors.forename: Donna C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Owen
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D006801:Humans; D009735:Nursing Homes; D010360:Patient Transfer
keywords: Education in nursing homes; Nursing home; Preventing transfer; Transfer signs and symptoms