Household Safety Checklist: A Tool for Preventing Rehospitalization

Robyn R.M. Gershon, MHS, DrPH; Tara McAlexandar, MPH;Fern Hertzberg, MSW; Diana Nobile-Hernandez

Policy Issue: Reducing Rehospitalization of Elderly Patients• An estimated 20% of all Medicare beneficiaries discharged from hospitals are rehospitalized

within 30 days — 34% within 90 days• Households can be unsafe environments, especially for the elderly• Falls-related injuries are an important risk factor for rehospitalizaiton• Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death in individuals ≥ 75 yrs, followed by burns

Examples of Checklist Items Pilot Test ResultsMost Common Household Hazards Identified

Using the Tool (N=116, Homecare Patient Households in NYC)

An easy-to-use household safety checklist – targeting patients discharged to home care is neededTo address this gap, and with funding provided by AHRQ, we developed and tested a new safety tool

Loose or worn-out rugs or carpets

Policy Issue: Hazard Identification is the Necessary First Step in Remediation

Awkwardly placed furniture (blocking exit)

Flammables near stove tops

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5

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47%

30%25% 24%

19%

Perc

en

tag

e (

%)

of

Ho

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old

s

Easy to use for identifying hazards High patient acceptability Adopted by many homecare agencies

Bed bugs Signs of vermin in the home

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Conclusions