Improving Patient Activation among Older Veterans: Results from a Social Worker-Led Care Transitions Intervention

ABSTRACT

Older veterans enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) often use both VHA and non-VHA providers for their care. This dual use, especially around an inpatient visit, can lead to fragmented care during the time of transition post-discharge. Interventions that target patient activation may be valuable ways to help veterans manage complex medication regimens and care plans from multiple providers. The Care Transitions Intervention (CTI) is an evidence-based model that helps older adults gain confidence and skills to achieve their health goals post-discharge. Our study examined the impact of CTI upon patient activation for veterans discharged from non-VHA hospitals. In total, 158 interventions were conducted for 87 veterans. From baseline to follow-up there was a significant 1.7-point increase in patient activation scores, from 5.4 to 7.1. This association was only found among those who completed the intervention. The most common barriers to completion were difficulty reaching the veteran by phone, patient declining the intervention, and rehospitalization during the 30 days post-discharge. Care transitions guided by social workers may be a promising way to improve patient activation. However, future research and practice should address barriers to completion and examine the impact of increased patient activation on health outcomes.

KEYWORDS:

• Intervention research
• care coordination
• military veterans
• person-centered care

Additional information

Funding

We have no financial interests to declare. This work was supported by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Health Services Research and Development Service (grant #s IIR-10-146 and I01 HX001563). The funder was not involved in drafting or editing the article. The paper is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the VA.