Does "6-Clicks" Day 1 Postoperative Mobility Score Predict Discharge Disposition After Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasties?

Interrater Reliability of the AM-PAC 6-Clicks Basic Mobility Short Form Between Nurses and Physical Therapists

OBJECTIVE

To examine the interrater reliability between nurse- and physical therapist (PT)-recorded scores from the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care 6-Clicks Basic Mobility short form across hospitals, services, and categories of assessment timing.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study of retrospective electronic health record data.

SETTING

Data were collected for patients in 11 hospitals between January 2020 and October 2022. Nurse- and PT-recorded 6-Clicks mobility scores were paired by date.

PARTICIPANTS

There were 535,974 unique score pairs for 127,583 patients.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME

Interrater reliability was examined using intraclass correlation coefficients where values <0.5, 0.5-0.75, 0.75-0.9, and >0.9 indicate poor, moderate, good, and excellent reliability, respectively. In secondary analyses, score pairs were categorized according to: (1) hospital, (2) unit type (intensive care vs other), (3) clinical service, and (4) relative timing of nurse- and PT-recorded scores.

MEASURES

6-Clicks Basic Mobility short form.

RESULTS

The interrater reliability was good overall, in 6 hospitals (moderate in 4 hospitals and poor in 1), in both intensive care and other units, for 4 out of 5 clinical services (moderate for 1), and for 4 out of 5 timing categories (moderate for 1).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large study of real-world data, nurse- and PT-recorded 6-Clicks mobility scores had moderate-to-good interrater reliability.

Living alone predicts non-home discharge post elective hip arthroplasty: A matched-pair cohort study

The impact of home support and interaction with family members on recovery and perioperative outcomes remains unclear. We determined whether living alone was predictive of discharge disposition following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Data were from American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program participating hospitals in 2021. The primary endpoint was discharging disposition. A total of 1716 patients living alone and 3961 with others at home were identified. The 1:1 propensity-matched cohort included 3248 total patients (1624 in each group). On univariate analysis, living alone was associated with non-home discharge (22.0% [358/1624] vs. 10.5% [170/1623]; odds ratio [OR], 2.42 [95% CI, 1.98 to 2.94]; P < .001), need for services in those returning home (63.1% [799/1266] vs. 57.7% [839/1453]; OR, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.07 to 1.46]; P = .004), and increased length of hospital stay (2.05 vs. 1.72 days; mean difference, 0.34 [95% CI, 0.18 to 0.49]; P < .001). On multivariable analysis, living alone remained an independent predictor of non-home discharge (adjusted odds ratio, 2.84 [95% CI, 2.30 to 3.54]; c = 0.734). Thus, compared to propensity-matched THA patients with others at home, those living alone experience a much greater rate of non-home discharge and need for support.

High Risk of Readmission After THA Regardless of Functional Status in Patients Discharged to Skilled Nursing Facility

BACKGROUND

The postoperative period and subsequent discharge planning are critical in our continued efforts to decrease the risk of complications after THA. Patients discharged to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) have consistently exhibited higher readmission rates compared with those discharged to home healthcare. This elevated risk has been attributed to several factors but whether readmission is associated with patient functional status is not known.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

After controlling for relevant confounding variables (functional status, age, gender, caregiver support available at home, diagnosis [osteoarthritis (OA) versus non-OA], Charlson comorbidity index [CCI], the Area Deprivation Index [ADI], and insurance), are the odds of 30- and 90-day hospital readmission greater among patients initially discharged to SNFs than among those treated with home healthcare after THA?

METHODS

This was a retrospective, comparative study of patients undergoing THA at any of 11 hospitals in a single, large, academic healthcare system between 2017 and 2022 who were discharged to an SNF or home healthcare. During this period, 13,262 patients were included. Patients discharged to SNFs were older (73 ± 11 years versus 65 ± 11 years; p < 0.001), less independent at hospital discharge (6-click score: 16 ± 3.2 versus 22 ± 2.3; p < 0.001), more were women (71% [1279 of 1796] versus 56% [6447 of 11,466]; p < 0.001), insured by Medicare (83% [1497 of 1796] versus 52% [5974 of 11,466]; p < 0.001), living in areas with greater deprivation (30% [533 of 1796] versus 19% [2229 of 11,466]; p < 0.001), and had less assistance available from at-home caregivers (29% [527 of 1796] versus 57% [6484 of 11,466]; p < 0.001). The primary outcomes assessed in this study were 30- and 90-day hospital readmissions. Although the system automatically flags readmissions occurring within 90 days at the various facilities in the overall healthcare system, readmissions occurring outside the system would not be captured. Therefore, we were not able to account for potential differential rates of readmission to external healthcare systems between the groups. However, given the large size and broad geographic coverage of the healthcare system analyzed, we expect the readmissions data captured to be representative of the study population. The focus on a single healthcare system also ensures consistency in readmission identification and reporting across subjects. We evaluated the association between discharge disposition (home healthcare versus SNF) and readmission. Covariates evaluated included age, gender, primary payer, primary diagnosis, CCI, ADI, the availability of at-home caregivers for the patient, and the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) 6-clicks basic mobility score in the hospital. The adjusted relative risk (ARR) of readmission within 30 and 90 days of discharge to SNF (versus home healthcare) was estimated using modified Poisson regression models.

RESULTS

After adjusting for the 6-clicks mobility score, age, gender, ADI, OA versus non-OA, living environment, CCI, and insurance, patients discharged to an SNF were more likely to be readmitted within 30 and 90 days compared with home healthcare after THA (ARR 1.46 [95% CI 1.01 to 2.13]; p= 0.046 and ARR 1.57 [95% CI 1.23 to 2.01]; p < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Patients discharged to SNFs after THA had a slightly higher likelihood of hospital readmission within 30 and 90 days compared with those discharged with home healthcare. This difference persisted even after adjusting for relevant factors like functional status, home support, and social determinants of health. These results indicate that for suitable patients, direct home discharge may be a safer and more cost-effective option than SNFs. Clinicians should carefully consider these risks and benefits when making postoperative discharge plans. Policymakers could consider incentives and reforms to improve care transitions and coordination across settings. Further research using robust methods is needed to clarify the reasons for higher SNF readmission rates. Detailed analysis of patient complexity, care processes, and causes of readmission in SNFs versus home health could identify areas for quality improvement. Prospective cohorts or randomized trials would allow stronger conclusions about cause-and-effect. Importantly, no patients should be unfairly "cherry-picked" or "lemon-dropped" based only on readmission risk scores. With proper support and care coordination, even complex patients can have good outcomes. The goal should be providing excellent rehabilitation for all, while continuously improving quality, safety, and value across settings.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

Early ambulation after fibular free flap surgery is associated with reduced length of stay, increased mobility independence, and discharge to home

BACKGROUND

Fibula free flaps (FFF) are one of the most common bony flaps utilized. This paper describes a quality improvement project aimed at increasing early ambulation.

METHODS

A review of FFF patients at an academic hospital was completed (2014-2023). In 2018, an institutional change to encourage early ambulation without placement of a boot was made. Changes in hospital disposition and physical therapy outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 168 patients underwent FFF reconstruction. There was a statistically significant lower length of stay in Group 2 (early ambulation, no boot) (8.1 vs. 9.4; p = 0.04). A higher rate of discharge to a skilled nursing facility was noted in Group 1 (delayed ambulation with boot) (21.3% vs. 11.9%; p = 0.009). A higher proportion of patients in Group 2 demonstrated independence during bed mobility, transfers, and gait (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Early ambulation without boot placement after FFF is associated with decreased length of hospital stay, improved disposition to home and physical therapy outcomes.

Emergency Department-Based Physical Function Measures for Falls in Older Adults and Outcomes: A Secondary Analysis of GAPcare

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Falls are the leading reason for injury-related emergency department (ED) visits for older adults. The Geriatric Acute and Post-acute Fall Prevention Intervention (GAPcare), an in-ED intervention combining a medication therapy management session delivered by a pharmacist and a fall risk assessment and plan by a physical therapist, reduced ED revisits at 6 months among older adults presenting after a fall. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between measures of function obtained in the ED and clinical outcomes.

METHODS

This was a secondary analysis of data from GAPcare, a randomized controlled trial conducted from January 2018 to October 2019 at 2 urban academic EDs. Standardized measures of function (Timed Up and Go [TUG] test, Barthel Activity of Daily Living [ADL], Activity Measure for Post Acute Care [AM-PAC] 6 clicks) were collected at the ED index visit. We performed a descriptive analysis and hypothesis testing (chi square test and analysis of variance) to assess the relationship of functional measures with outcomes (ED disposition, ED revisits for falls, and place of residence at 6 months). Emergency department disposition status refers to discharge location immediately after the ED evaluation is complete (eg, hospital admission, original residence, skilled nursing facility).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Among 110 participants, 55 were randomized to the GAPcare intervention and 55 received usual care. Of those randomized to the intervention, 46 received physical therapy consultation. Median age was 81 years; participants were predominantly women (67%) and White (94%). Seventy-three (66%) were discharged to their original residence, 14 (13%) were discharged to a skilled nursing facility and 22 (20%) were admitted. There was no difference in ED disposition status by index visit Barthel ADLs (P = .371); however, TUG times were faster (P = .016), and AM-PAC 6 clicks score was higher among participants discharged to their original residence (P ≤ .001). Participants with slower TUG times at the index ED visit were more likely to reside in nursing homes by six months (P = .002), while Barthel ADL and AM-PAC 6 clicks did not differ between those residing at home and other settings.

CONCLUSIONS

Measures of function collected at the index ED visit, such as the AM-PAC 6 clicks and TUG time, may be helpful at predicting clinical outcomes for older adults presenting for a fall. Based on our study findings, we suggest a novel workflow to guide the use of these clinical measures for ED patients with falls.

RAPT and AM-PAC "6-Clicks": Do They Correlate on Predicting Discharge Destination After Total Joint Arthroplasty?

Background: The Risk Assessment and Prediction Tool (RAPT) and the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care "6-Clicks" Mobility Score (AM-PAC) are validated discharge planning tools for patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Planning for discharge with these tools considers very different factors and it is important to determine if they relate. Purpose: We sought to determine whether the preoperative RAPT score would correlate with postoperative AM-PAC score for predicting discharge destination for THA and TKA populations. Secondarily, we sought to examine whether the AM-PAC and RAPT scores would remain statistically significant predictors of discharge destination despite covariates. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed for patients who underwent THA or TKA from January 2020 to December 2022 at a specialty orthopedic hospital. Primary variables included the RAPT score, the AM-PAC score, and discharge disposition. Correlation between AM-PAC and RAPT scores was tested using Pearson's correlation coefficient, and association between both scores and discharge destination was tested using chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression. Results: Our comparison of AM-PAC scores and RAPT scores found a statistically significant, positive correlation in both THA and TKA patients. Regression analysis found that increased RAPT and AM-PAC scores resulted in higher odds of being discharged home for both populations, after adjusting for all other variables. In both cohorts, patients discharged to a facility were more likely to be female, be over the age of 70 years, have Medicare/Medicaid insurance, and have a higher number of preoperative social work visits or any incidence of an intraoperative or hospital complication. Conclusions: This retrospective study found that RAPT score correlated with AM-PAC score for predicting discharge destination for elective THA and TKA populations, suggesting that these scores may be predictors of home discharge destination even when accounting for covariates. Further study is recommended.

Considering Mobility Status and Home Environment in Readmission Risk After Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Discharge disposition following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) offers varying levels of post-acute care monitoring depending on the medical status of the patient and his or her ability to function independently. Discharge disposition following TKA is associated with 30-day and 90-day hospital readmission, but prior studies have not consistently considered confounding due to mobility status after TKA, available caregiver support, and measures of home area deprivation. The purpose of this study was to examine 30-day and 90-day readmission risk for patients discharged to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) following TKA after controlling specifically for these factors, among other covariates.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing TKA at any of 11 hospitals in a single, large, academic health-care system between January 2, 2017, and August 31, 2022, who were discharged to an SNF or home health care (HHC). The adjusted relative risk of readmission within 30 and 90 days of discharge to an SNF compared with HHC was estimated using modified Poisson regression models.

RESULTS

There were 15,212 patients discharged to HHC and 1,721 patients discharged to SNFs. Readmission within 30 days was 7.1% among patients discharged to SNFs and 2.4% among patients discharged to HHC; readmission within 90 days was 12.1% for the SNF group and 4.8% for the HHC group. The adjusted relative risk after discharge to an SNF was 1.07 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79 to 1.46; p = 0.65) for 30-day readmission and 1.45 (95% CI, 1.16 to 1.82; p < 0.01) for 90-day readmission.

CONCLUSIONS

Discharge to an SNF compared with HHC was independently associated with 90-day readmission, but not with 30-day readmission, after controlling for mobility status after TKA, available caregiver support, and home Area Deprivation Index, among other covariates.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Internal and External Validation of the Generalizability of Machine Learning Algorithms in Predicting Non-home Discharge Disposition Following Primary Total Knee Joint Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Nonhome discharge disposition following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with a higher rate of complications and constitutes a socioeconomic burden on the health care system. While existing algorithms predicting nonhome discharge disposition varied in degrees of mathematical complexity and prediction power, their capacity to generalize predictions beyond the development dataset remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to establish the machine learning model generalizability by performing internal and external validations using nation-scale and institutional cohorts, respectively.

METHODS

Four machine learning models were trained using the national cohort. Recursive feature elimination and hyper-parameter tuning were applied. Internal validation was achieved through five-fold cross-validation during model training. The trained models' performance was externally validated using the institutional cohort and assessed by discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility.

RESULTS

The national (424,354 patients) and institutional (10,196 patients) cohorts had non-home discharge rates of 19.4 and 36.4%, respectively. The areas under the receiver operating curve of the model predictions were 0.83 to 0.84 during internal validation and increased to 0.88 to 0.89 during external validation. Artificial neural network and histogram-based gradient boosting elicited the best performance with a mean area under the receiver operating curve of 0.89, calibration slope of 1.39, and Brier score of 0.14, which indicated that the two models were robust in distinguishing non-home discharge and well-calibrated with accurate predictions of the probabilities. The low inter-dataset similarity indicated reliable external validation. Length of stay, age, body mass index, and sex were the strongest predictors of discharge destination after primary TKA.

CONCLUSION

The machine learning models demonstrated excellent predictive performance during both internal and external validations, supporting their generalizability across different patient cohorts and potential applicability in the clinical workflow.

The Risk Assessment and Prediction Tool (RAPT) Score Predicts Discharge Destination, Length of Stay, and Postoperative Mobility after Total Joint Arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION

Predicting an arthroplasty patient's discharge disposition, length of stay, and physical function is helpful because it allows for preoperative patient optimization, expectation management, and discharge planning. The goal of this study was to evaluate the ability of the Risk Assessment and Prediction Tool (RAPT) score to predict discharge destination, length of stay, and postoperative mobility in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS

Primary unilateral TKAs (n=9,064) and THAs (n=8,649) performed for primary osteoarthritis at our institution from 2018 to 2021 (excluding March to June 2020) were identified using a prospectively maintained institutional registry. We evaluated the associations between preoperative RAPT score and (1) discharge destination, (2) length of stay, and postoperative mobility as measured by (3) successful ambulation on the day of surgery and (4) Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) "6-Clicks" score.

RESULTS

On multivariable analyses adjusting for multiple covariates, every one-point increase in RAPT score among TKA patients was associated with a 1.82-fold increased odds of home discharge (P<0.001), 0.22 days shorter length of stay (P<0.001), 1.13-fold increased odds of ambulating on postoperative day 0 (P<0.001), and 0.25-point higher AM-PAC score (P<0.001). Similar findings were seen among THAs. A RAPT score of 8 or higher was the most sensitive and specific cutoff to predict home discharge.

CONCLUSION

Among nearly 18,000 TKA and THA patients, RAPT score was predictive of discharge disposition, length of stay, and postoperative mobility. A RAPT score of 8 or higher was the most sensitive and specific cutoff to predict discharge to home. In contrast to prior studies of the RAPT score which have grouped TKAs and THAs together, this study ran separate analyses for TKAs and THAs and found that THA patients seemed to perform better than TKA patients with equal RAPT scores, suggesting that RAPT may behave differently between TKAs and THAs, particularly in the intermediate risk RAPT range.

Determinants of acute care discharge in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

CONCLUSIONS

In adults with COPD basic mobility scores on the AM-PAC "6-clicks" measure completed at discharge had the best sensitivity and specificity for predicting discharge to home and need for rehab services.

Activity Measure for Post-acute Care Mobility Scoring System: Comparison of Nursing and Physical Therapy Evaluation for Primary Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Patients

BACKGROUND

Optimizing resource utilization after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) has become increasingly vital. The Activity Measure for Post-acute Care (AM-PAC) "6-clicks" scoring system is a validated, physical therapist (PT)-administered metric of patient basic mobility and predicts discharge disposition. This study aimed to determine whether the use of AM-PAC scoring by nurses in the postoperative period could (1) substitute for AM-PAC scoring by therapists and (2) predict 90-day outcomes in TJA patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all primary TJAs conducted by two surgeons at a single institution from 2019 to 2021. Patients underwent postoperative AM-PAC evaluation by nursing and physical therapy within 24 hours of surgery, and specific timing of nursing and PT scores was determined. Inter-rater reliability between therapy and nursing scores was analyzed. Multiple regression was used to determine the association between AM-PAC scores and readmissions, complications, length of stay, and nonhome discharge.

RESULTS

In total, 1,119 patients were included. Agreement testing between therapy and nursing scores was weak for all six AM-PAC components, with a Spearman correlation of 0.437. Nursing scores were typically conducted earlier than therapist scores (204.0 ± 249.9 minutes versus 523.5 ± 449.4 minutes; P < 0.001). Therapy and nursing scores were not notable predictors for 90-day complications or readmissions. However, higher therapy and nursing scores were predictors of less than 2-day hospitalization (odds ratio [OR] 0.63, P < 0.001; OR 0.88, P < 0.001) and fewer nonhome discharges (OR 0.62, P < 0.001; OR 0.84, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Although nursing-driven mobility assessments could potentially improve efficiency of patient discharge and control costs, nursing AM-PAC scoring did not serve as an appropriate substitute for PT scoring in patients undergoing primary total hip and knee arthroplasty at our institution.

Preoperative characteristics are associated with increased likelihood of low early postoperative mobility after adult spinal deformity surgery

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Low early postoperative mobility (LEPOM) has been shown to be associated with increased length of hospital stay, complication rates, and likelihood of nonhome discharge. However, few studies have examined preoperative characteristics associated with LEPOM in adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients.

PURPOSE

To investigate which preoperative patient characteristics may be associated with LEPOM after ASD surgery.

DESIGN

Retrospective review.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Included were 86 ASD patients with fusion of ≥5 levels for whom immediate-postoperative AM-PAC Basic Mobility Inpatient Short Form (6-Clicks) scores had been obtained.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome of this study was the likelihood of LEPOM, defined as an AM-PAC score ≤15, which is associated with inability to stand for more than 1 minute.

METHODS

Significant cutoffs for preoperative characteristics associated with LEPOM were determined via threshold linear regression. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the impact of preoperative characteristics on the likelihood of LEPOM.

RESULTS

LEPOM was recorded in 38 patients (44.2%). Threshold regression identified the following cutoffs to be associated with LEPOM: preoperative Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores of ≥68 for Pain, <28.3 for Physical Function, and ≥63.4 for Anxiety; preoperative Oswestry disability index (ODI) score of ≥60; and body mass index (BMI) of ≥35.2. On multivariate analysis, preoperative PROMIS scores of ≥68 for Pain (odds ratio [OR] 5.3, confidence interval [CI] 1.2-22.8, p=.03), <28.3 for Physical Function (OR 10.1, CI 1.8-58.2, p=.01), and ≥63.4 for Anxiety (OR 4.7, CI 1.1-20.8, p=.04); preoperative ODI score ≥60 (OR 38.8, CI 4.0-373.6, p=.002); BMI ≥35.2 (OR 14.2, CI 1.3-160.0, p=.03), and male sex (OR 5.4, CI 1.2-23.7, p=.03) were associated with increased odds of LEPOM.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative PROMIS Pain, Physical Function, and Anxiety scores; ODI score; BMI; and male sex were associated with LEPOM. Several of these characteristics are modifiable risk factors and thus may be candidates for optimization before surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

AM-PAC mobility scores predict non-home discharge following adult spinal deformity surgery

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery requires an extended recovery period and often non-routine discharge. The Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) Basic Mobility Inpatient Short Form (6-Clicks) is a prediction tool, validated for other orthopedic procedures, to assess a patient's ability to mobilize after surgery.

PURPOSE

To assess the thresholds of AM-PAC scores that determine non-home discharge disposition in patients who have undergone ASD surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review PATIENT SAMPLE: Ninety consecutive ASD patients with ≥5 levels fused who underwent surgery from 2015 to 2018, with postoperative AM-PAC scores measured before discharge, were included.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Non-home discharge disposition METHODS: Patients with routine home discharge were compared to those with non-home discharge. Bivariate analysis was first conducted to compare these groups by preoperative demographics, comorbidities, radiographic alignment, surgical characteristics, HRQOLs, and AM-PAC measurements. Threshold linear regression with Bayesian information criteria was utilized to identify the optimal cutoffs for AM-PAC scores associated with increased likelihood of non-home discharge. Finally, multivariable analysis controlling for age, sex, comorbidities, levels fused, perioperative complication, and home support was conducted to assess each threshold.

RESULTS

Thirty-six (40%) of 90 patients analyzed had non-home discharge. On bivariate analysis, first AM-PAC score (13.5 vs. 17), last AM-PAC score (17 vs. 20), and AM-PAC change per day (+.387 vs. +1) were all significantly associated with non-home discharge. Threshold regression identified that cutoffs of ≤15 for first AM-PAC score, <17 for last AM-PAC score, and <+0.625 for daily AM-PAC change were associated with non-home discharge. On multivariable analysis, first AM-PAC score ≤15 (odds ratio [OR] 11.28; confidence interval [CI] 2.96-42.99; p<.001), last AM-PAC score <17 (OR 33.57; CI 5.85-192.82; p<.001), and AM-PAC change per day <+0.625 (OR 6.24; CI 2.01-19.43; p<.001) were all associated with increased odds of non-home discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

First AM-PAC score of 15 or less can help predict non-home discharge. A goal of daily AM-PAC increases of 0.625 points toward a final AM-PAC score of 17 can aid in achieving home discharge. The early AM-PAC mobility threshold of ≤15 may help prepare for non-home discharge, while AM-PAC daily changes per day <0.625 and final AM-PAC <17 may provide goals for mobility improvement during the early postoperative period in order to prevent non-home discharge.

Comparative Analysis of the Ability of Machine Learning Models in Predicting In-hospital Postoperative Outcomes After Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Machine learning (ML) methods have shown promise in a wide range of applications including the development of patient-specific predictive models before surgical interventions. The purpose of this study was to develop, test, and compare four distinct ML models to predict postoperative parameters after primary total hip arthroplasty.

METHODS

Data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample were used to identify patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty from 2016 to 2017. Linear support vector machine (LSVM), random forest (RF), neural network (NN), and extreme gradient boost trees (XGBoost) predictive of mortality, length of stay, and discharge disposition were developed and validated using 15 predictive patient-specific and hospital-specific factors. Area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic (AUCROC) curve and accuracy were used as validity metrics, and the strongest predictive variables under each model were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 177,442 patients were included in this analysis. For mortality, the XGBoost, NN, and LSVM models all had excellent responsiveness during validation while RF had fair responsiveness. LSVM had the highest responsiveness with an AUCROC of 0.973 during validation. For the length of stay, the LSVM and NN models had fair responsiveness while the XGBoost and random forest models had poor responsiveness. LSVM had the highest responsiveness with an AUCROC of 0.744 during validation. For the discharge disposition outcome, LSVM had good responsiveness while the XGBoost, NN, and RF models all had fair responsiveness. LSVM had the highest responsiveness with an AUCROC of 0.801.

DISCUSSION

The ML methods tested demonstrated a range of poor-to-excellent responsiveness and accuracy in the prediction of the assessed metrics, with LSVM being the best performer. Such models should be further developed, with eventual integration into clinical practice to inform patient discussions and management decision making, with the potential for integration into tiered bundled payment models.

The Predictive Validity of Functional Outcome Measures With Discharge Destination for Hospitalized Medical Patients

Objective

To investigate the predictive validity for discharge to home or facility of 4 functional mobility outcome measures.

Design

Retrospective, observational study.

Setting

Urban, academic hospital in the United States.

Participants

Adult patients (N=3999) admitted to medical units between June 1, 2019, and February 29, 2020, with 2 or more recorded scores on each of 4 tools: Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) 6-Clicks Basic Mobility and Daily Activity, Henry Ford Mobility Level, and The Johns Hopkins Highest Level of Mobility.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Mobility scores and discharge destination.

Results

For the 3999 subjects, 51.4% went home at discharge and had higher mean scores on each measure than those not returning home. Both early (I) and later (II) time point for each measure had positive predictability for discharge home. AM-PAC 6-Clicks had the highest confidence intervals for early and later recorded scores. The c-statistic value for Basic Mobility I (cut point=16) was 0.74 and for II (cut point=18) was, 0.79. The value for Daily Activity I (cut point=18) was 0.75 and for Daily Activity II (cut point=18) was 0.80). The Johns Hopkins Highest Level of Mobility and Henry Ford Mobility Level measures were less discriminative at initial score (c-statistic 0.704 and 0.665, respectively) and final score (c-statistic 0.74 and 0.75, respectively).

Conclusions

Functional outcome measures have good predictive validity for discharge destination. The AM-PAC Basic mobility score appears to have a slightly higher confidence interval than the other tools in this study design.

Validation of a Predictive Tool for Discharge to Rehabilitation or a Skilled Nursing Facility After TJA

BACKGROUND

Cost excess in bundled payment models for total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is driven by discharge to rehabilitation or a skilled nursing facility (SNF). A recently published preoperative risk prediction tool showed very good internal accuracy in stratifying patients on the basis of likelihood of discharge to an SNF or rehabilitation. The purpose of the present study was to test the accuracy of this predictive tool through external validation with use of a large cohort from an outside institution.

METHODS

A total of 20,294 primary unilateral total hip (48%) and knee (52%) arthroplasty cases at a tertiary health system were extracted from the institutional electronic medical record. Discharge location and the 9 preoperative variables required by the predictive model were collected. All cases were run through the model to generate risk scores for those patients, which were compared with the actual discharge locations to evaluate the cutoff originally proposed in the derivation paper. The proportion of correct classifications at this threshold was evaluated, as well as the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, number needed to screen, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), in order to determine the predictive accuracy of the model.

RESULTS

A total of 3,147 (15.5%) of the patients who underwent primary, unilateral total hip or knee arthroplasty were discharged to rehabilitation or an SNF. Despite considerable differences between the present and original model derivation cohorts, predicted scores demonstrated very good accuracy (AUC, 0.734; 95% confidence interval, 0.725 to 0.744). The threshold simultaneously maximizing sensitivity and specificity was 0.1745 (sensitivity, 0.672; specificity, 0.679), essentially identical to the proposed cutoff of the original paper (0.178). The proportion of correct classifications was 0.679. Positive and negative predictive values (0.277 and 0.919, respectively) were substantially better than those of random selection based only on event prevalence (0.155 and 0.845), and the number needed to screen was 3.6 (random selection, 6.4).

CONCLUSIONS

A previously published online predictive tool for discharge to rehabilitation or an SNF performed well under external validation, demonstrating a positive predictive value 79% higher and number needed to screen 56% lower than simple random selection. This tool consists of exclusively preoperative parameters that are easily collected. Based on a successful external validation, this tool merits consideration for clinical implementation because of its value for patient counseling, preoperative optimization, and discharge planning.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care “6-Clicks” Basic Mobility Scores Predict Discharge Destination After Acute Care Hospitalization in Select Patient Groups: A Retrospective, Observational Study

•

A standardized Basic Mobility score of 42.9 predicts home vs institution discharge.

•

Orthopedic diagnoses may have a cutoff score of 41.5 to predict home discharge.

•

Cutoff scores vary by diagnostic group and discharge destination.

•

Cutoff scores vary by time of assessment relative to admission for some diagnoses.

Objectives

To establish cutoff scores for the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care “6-Clicks” standardized Basic Mobility scores (sBMSs) for predicting discharge destination after acute care hospitalization for diagnostic subgroups within an acute care population and to evaluate the need for a second score to improve predictive ability.

Design

Retrospective, observational design.

Setting

Major medical center in metropolitan area.

Participants

Electronic medical records of 1696 adult patients (>18 years) admitted to acute care from January to October 2018. Records were stratified by orthopedic, cardiac, pulmonary, stroke, and other neurological diagnoses (N=1696). Interventions: None

Main Outcome Measure

Physical therapists scored patients’ sBMSs after referral for physical therapy and prior to discharge. Receiver operating characteristic curves delineated sBMS cutoff scores distinguishing various pairings of home, home with services, inpatient rehabilitation, or skilled nursing facility discharges. First and second sBMSs were compared with percentage change of the area under the curve and inferential statistics.

Results

Home vs institution cutoff score was 42.88 for combined sample, pulmonary and neurological cases. The cutoff score for orthopedic diagnoses score was 41.46. Cardiac and stroke model quality invalidated cutoff scores. Home without services vs skilled nursing discharges and home with services vs skilled nursing discharges were predicted with varying cutoff scores per diagnosis. sBMS cutoff scores collected closer to discharge were either the same or higher than first cutoffs, with varying effects on predictive ability.

Conclusions

sBMSs can help decide institution vs home discharge and finer distinctions among discharge settings for some diagnostic groups. A single sBMS may provide sufficient assistance with discharge destination decisions but timing of scoring and diagnostic group may influence cutoff score selection.

Neural network models accurately predict discharge disposition after revision total knee arthroplasty?

PURPOSE

Based on the rising incidence of revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA), bundled payment models may be applied to revision TKA in the near future. Facility discharge represents a significant cost factor for those bundled payment models; however, accurately predicting discharge disposition remains a clinical challenge. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate artificial intelligence algorithms to predict discharge disposition following revision total knee arthroplasty.

METHODS

A retrospective review of electronic patient records was conducted to identify patients who underwent revision total knee arthroplasty. Discharge disposition was defined as either home discharge or non-home discharge, which included rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities. Four artificial intelligence algorithms were developed to predict this outcome and were assessed by discrimination, calibration and decision curve analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 2228 patients underwent revision TKA, of which 1405 patients (63.1%) were discharged home, whereas 823 patients (36.9%) were discharged to a non-home facility. The strongest predictors for non-home discharge following revision TKA were American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) score, Medicare insurance type and revision surgery for peri-prosthetic joint infection, non-white ethnicity and social status (living alone). The best performing artificial intelligence algorithm was the neural network model which achieved excellent performance across discrimination (AUC = 0.87), calibration and decision curve analysis.

CONCLUSION

This study developed four artificial intelligence algorithms for the prediction of non-home discharge disposition for patients following revision total knee arthroplasty. The study findings show excellent performance on discrimination, calibration and decision curve analysis for all four candidate algorithms. Therefore, these models have the potential to guide preoperative patient counselling and improve the value (clinical and functional outcomes divided by costs) of revision total knee arthroplasty patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Patient Versus Clinician Proxy Reliability of the AM-PAC "6-Clicks" Basic Mobility and Daily Activity Short Forms

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to test the reliability of the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) "6-Clicks" mobility and activity short forms between patients and therapist proxies. As a secondary aim, reliability was examined when patients completed their self-report before versus after the therapist evaluation.

METHODS

Patients being seen for an initial physical therapist (N = 70) or occupational therapist (N = 71) evaluation in the acute care hospital completed the "6-Clicks" mobility short form (if a physical therapist evaluation) or activity short form (if an occupational therapist evaluation). Whether patients completed their self-assessment before or after the evaluation was randomized. Patient- and therapist-rated "6-Clicks" raw scores were converted to AM-PAC T-scores for comparison. Reliability was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland-Altman plots, and agreement was assessed with weighted kappa values.

RESULTS

The ICCs for the "6-Clicks" mobility and daily activity short forms were 0.57 (95% CI = 0.42-0.69) and 0.45 (95% CI = 0.28-0.59), respectively. For both short forms, reliability was higher when the patient completed the self-assessment after versus before the therapist evaluation (ICC = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.47-0.80 vs ICC = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.26-0.67 for the mobility short form; and ICC = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.29-0.70 vs ICC = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.06-0.56 for the activity short form).

CONCLUSION

Reliability of the "6-Clicks" total scores was moderate for both the mobility and activity short forms, though higher for the mobility short form and when patients' self-report occurred after the therapist evaluation.

IMPACT

Reliability of the AM-PAC "6-Clicks" short forms is moderate when comparing scores from patients with those of therapists responding as proxies. The short forms are useful for measuring participants' function in the acute care hospital; however, it is critical to recognize limitations in reliability between clinician- and patient-reported AM-PAC scores when evaluating longitudinal change and recovery.

Can Proxy Ratings Supplement Patient Report to Assess Functional Domains Among Hospitalized Patients?

OBJECTIVE

To (1) characterize the agreement between patient and proxy responses on a multidimensional computerized adaptive testing measure of function, and to (2) determine whether patient, proxy, or multidimensional computerized adaptive testing score characteristics identify when a proxy report can be used as a substitute for patient report in clinical decision making.

DESIGN

A psychometric study of the Functional Assessment in Acute Care Multidimensional Computerized Adaptive Testing (FAMCAT) and its 3 scales (Applied Cognition, Daily Activity, and Basic Mobility).

SETTING

An upper midwestern quaternary academic medical center PARTICIPANTS: A total of 300 pairs of patients (average age 60.9 years; range, 19-89) hospitalized on general medical services or readmitted to surgical services for postoperative complications and their proxies (average age 60.5 years; range, 20-88).

INTERVENTION

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

There were 3 outcomes: (1) agreement between patient and proxy scores on the FAMCAT domains, as well as age and sex, analyzed with univariate and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA); (2) associations of patient-proxy relationship and FAMCAT score characteristics with patient-proxy score agreement; and (3) presence of psychometrically significant intra-dyad differences in FAMCAT scores.

RESULTS

The results of the MANOVA and follow-up ANOVAs indicated that there were no statistically significant differences in FAMCAT scale scores between patient and proxy estimates for either the Daily Activity or Basic Mobility scales. There were significant differences for the Applied Cognition scale (P<.005) between mean patient and proxy scores, with proxies rating patients as functioning at a higher level (mean=0.42) than patients did themselves (mean=0.00). However, psychometrically significant intra-dyadic Applied Cognition score differences occurred in only 14% of dyads, compared with 25% in the other 2 scales. Sex and age were associated with patient-proxy agreement, but the patterns were not sufficiently consistent to permit generalizations regarding the likely validity of a proxy's scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient and proxy FAMCAT Daily Activity and Basic Mobility scores did not differ significantly, and proxy reporting offers a creditable surrogate for patient report on these domains. Low rates of psychometrically significant intra-dyadic score differences suggest that proxy report may serve as a low-resolution screen for functional deficits in all FAMCAT domains. Approximately half the proxies provided multi-domain profile ratings on the 3 scales that did not differ significantly from these of the associated patients, but more research is needed to identify situations in which proxy profiles could be used in place of those provided by patients.

A validated preoperative risk prediction tool for discharge to skilled nursing or rehabilitation facility following anatomic or reverse shoulder arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

As bundled payment models continue to spread, understanding the primary drivers of cost excess helps providers avoid penalties and ensure equal health care access. Recent work has shown discharge to rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) to be a primary cost driver in total joint arthroplasty, and an accurate preoperative risk calculator for shoulder arthroplasty would not only help counsel patients in clinic during shared decision-making conversations but also identify high-risk individuals who may benefit from preoperative optimization and discharge planning.

METHODS

Anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty cohorts from 2 geographically diverse, high-volume centers were reviewed, including 1773 cases from institution 1 (56% anatomic) and 3637 from institution 2 (50% anatomic). The predictive ability of a variety of candidate variables for discharge to SNF/rehabilitation was tested, including case type, sociodemographic factors, and the 30 Elixhauser comorbidities. Variables surviving parameter selection were incorporated into a multivariable logistic regression model built from institution 1's cohort, with accuracy then validated using institution 2's cohort.

RESULTS

A total of 485 (9%) shoulder arthroplasties overall were discharged to post-acute care (anatomic: 6%, reverse: 14%, P < .0001), and these patients had significantly higher rates of unplanned 90-day readmission (5% vs. 3%, P = .0492). Cases performed for preoperative fracture were more likely to require post-acute care (13% vs. 3%, P < .0001), whereas revision cases were not (10% vs. 10%, P = .8015). A multivariable logistic regression model derived from the institution 1 cohort demonstrated excellent preliminary accuracy (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC]: 0.87), requiring only 11 preoperative variables (in order of importance): age, marital status, fracture, neurologic disease, paralysis, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, gender, electrolyte disorder, chronic pulmonary disease, diabetes, and coagulation deficiency. This model performed exceptionally well during external validation using the institution 2 cohort (AUC: 0.84), and to facilitate convenient use was incorporated into a freely available, online prediction tool. A model built using the combined cohort demonstrated even higher accuracy (AUC: 0.89).

CONCLUSIONS

This validated preoperative clinical decision tool reaches excellent predictive accuracy for discharge to SNF/rehabilitation following shoulder arthroplasty, providing a vital tool for both patient counseling and preoperative discharge planning. Further, model parameters should form the basis for reimbursement legislation adjusting for patient comorbidities, ensuring no disparities in access arise for at-risk populations.

PLAN and AM-PAC "6-Clicks" Scores to Predict Discharge Disposition After Primary Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Determination of the appropriate post-discharge disposition after total hip (THA) and knee (TKA) arthroplasty is a challenging multidisciplinary decision. Algorithms used to guide this decision have been administered both preoperatively and postoperatively. The purpose of this study was to simultaneously evaluate the predictive ability of 2 such tools-the preoperatively administered Predicting Location after Arthroplasty Nomogram (PLAN) and the postoperatively administered Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) "6-Clicks" basic mobility tools-in accurately determining discharge disposition after elective THA and TKA.

METHODS

The study included 11,672 patients who underwent THA (n = 4,923) or TKA (n = 6,749) at a single large hospital system from December 2016 through March 2020. PLAN and "6-Clicks" basic mobility scores were recorded for all patients. Regression models and receiver operator characteristic curves were constructed to evaluate the tools' prediction concordance with the actual discharge disposition (home compared with a facility).

RESULTS

PLAN scores had a concordance index of 0.723 for the THA cohort and 0.738 for the TKA cohort. The first "6-Clicks" mobility score (recorded within the first 48 hours postoperatively) had a concordance index of 0.813 for the THA cohort and 0.790 for the TKA cohort. When PLAN and first "6-Clicks" mobility scores were used together, a concordance index of 0.836 was observed for the THA cohort and 0.836 for the TKA cohort. When the PLAN and "6-Clicks" agreed on home discharge, higher rates of discharge to home (98.0% for THA and 97.7% for TKA) and lower readmission rates (5.1% for THA and 7.0% for TKA) were observed, compared with when the tools disagreed.

CONCLUSIONS

PLAN and "6-Clicks" basic mobility scores were good-to-excellent predictors of discharge disposition after primary total joint arthroplasty, suggesting that both preoperative and postoperative variables influence discharge disposition. We recommend that preoperative variables be collected and used to generate a tentative plan for discharge, and the final decision on discharge disposition be augmented by early postoperative evaluation.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The determination of post-discharge needs after THA and TKA remains a complex clinical decision. This study shows how simultaneously exploring the predictive ability of preoperative and postoperative assessment tools on discharge disposition after total joint arthroplasty may be a useful aid in a value-driven health-care model.

Examining the accuracy of the AM-PAC "6-clicks" at predicting discharge disposition in traumatic brain injury

OBJECTIVE

To assess the accuracy of the AM-PAC "6-Clicks" in predicting discharge dispositions among severely injured patients with an acute traumatic brain injury (TBI).

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of patients with a TBI who presented to our trauma center from 2016 through 2018 and received a "6-Clicks" assessment. Outcomes were hospital length of stay (LOS) and discharge disposition: home, inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF), subacute location (SL), or death/hospice. Subgroup analyses evaluated patients with concomitant mobility-limiting injuries (CM-LI).

RESULTS

There were 432 patients with a TBI; 42.6% (n = 184) had CM-LI. CM-LI patients had lower "6-Clicks" scores compared to patients with an isolated TBI (9 vs 14, p < .0001) and a longer hospital LOS (16.5 d vs 9 d, p < .0001). Increasing "6-Clicks" scores were associated with a home discharge (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.15-1.28, p < .0001) while decreasing scores were predictive of an IRF or SL discharge or death/hospice. Increasing scores correlated with decreasing hospital LOS for the cohort (β - 8.93, 95% CI -10.24 - -7.62, p < .0001).

CONCLUSION

Among patients with an acute TBI, increasing "6 Clicks" scores were associated with a shorter hospital LOS and greater likelihood of home discharge. Decreasing mobility scores correlated with discharge to an IRF, SL, and death/hospice.

Does the Mode of PROM Administration Affect the Responses of Hospitalized Patients?

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether a multidimensional computerized adaptive test, the Functional Assessment in Acute Care Multidimensional Computerized Adaptive Test (FAMCAT), could be administered to hospitalized patients via a tablet computer rather than being orally administered by an interviewer.

DESIGN

A randomized comparison of the responses of hospitalized patients to interviewer vs. tablet delivery of the FAMCAT and its assessment of Applied Cognition, Daily Activity, and Basic Mobility.

SETTING

Two quaternary teaching hospitals in the Upper Midwest.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 300 patients (127 men, 165 females ), average age 61.2 (range 18 to 97)) hospitalized on medical, or re-hospitalized on surgical, services were randomly assigned to either a tablet (150) or an interview (150) group.

INTERVENTION

Electronic tablet versus interview.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Item response theory (IRT) point estimates of the FAMCAT latent scales, their psychometric standard errors, number of items administered per domain, the determinant (an indicator of overall precision of the latent trait vector), as well as the time that patients required to complete their FAMCAT sessions.

RESULTS

Of the 300 patients, 292 completed their assessments. (The assessments of 4 individuals in each group were interrupted by clinical care and were not included in the analyses.) A significant (p = .009) mode effect (i.e., interview vs. tablet) was identified when all outcome variables were considered simultaneously. However, the only outcome that was affected by the administration mode was test duration: tablet administration reduced the roughly 6-minute test time required by both approaches by only 20 seconds which, while statistically significant, was clinically insignificant.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of a FAMCAT assessment, at least for this cohort of hospitalized patients, are independent of administration via tablet computer or interview.

Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care "6-Clicks" for the Prediction of Short-term Clinical Outcomes in Individuals Hospitalized With COVID-19: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective

To determine the ability of the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) "6-Clicks" assessments of mobility and activity to predict key clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

An academic health system in the United States consisting of 5 inpatient hospitals.

Participants

Adult patients (N=1486) urgently or emergently admitted who tested positive for COVID-19 and had at least 1 AM-PAC assessment.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Discharge destination, hospital length of stay, in-hospital mortality, and readmission.

Results

A total of 1486 admission records were included in the analysis. After controlling for covariates, initial and final mobility (odds ratio, 0.867 and 0.833, respectively) and activity scores (odds ratio, 0.892 and 0.862, respectively) were both independent predictors of discharge destination with a high accuracy of prediction (area under the curve [AUC]=0.819-0.847). Using a threshold score of 17.5, sensitivity ranged from 0.72-0.79, whereas specificity ranged from 0.74-0.83. Both initial AM-PAC mobility and activity scores were independent predictors of mortality (odds ratio, 0.885 and 0.877, respectively). Initial mobility, but not activity, scores were predictive of prolonged length of stay (odds ratio, 0.957 and 0.980, respectively). However, the accuracy of prediction for both outcomes was weak (AUC=0.659-0.679). AM-PAC scores did not predict rehospitalization.

Conclusions

Functional status as measured by the AM-PAC “6-Clicks” mobility and activity scores are independent predictors of key clinical outcomes individual hospitalized with COVID-19.

National Trends in Post-Acute Care Costs Following Total Knee Arthroplasty From 2007 to 2016

BACKGROUND

Post-acute care continues to represent a target for cost savings with increasing popularity of value-based payment models in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Rapid recovery and accelerated rehabilitation protocols have been successful in reducing costs at the institutional level, but national trends are less clear. This study aimed to determine if advancements in perioperative care led to a reduction in post-acute care costs and resource utilization following TKA.

METHODS

We reviewed a consecutive series of 79,843 primary TKA patients from the Humana claims dataset from 2007 to 2016. Post-acute care costs included any claims within 90 days of surgery for subacute or inpatient rehabilitation, home health, outpatient or emergency visits, prescription medications, physical therapy, and readmissions. Demographics, episode-of-care and post-acute care costs, readmissions, and discharge disposition were compared. Controlling for demographics and comorbidities, multivariate regression analyses were performed to compare trends in discharge disposition and post-acute care costs.

RESULTS

From 2007 to 2016, the average episode-of-care costs ($46,754 vs $31,856) and post-acute care costs per patient decreased ($20,224 vs $13,498). Rates of discharge to skilled nursing facilities (25.0% vs 22.5%) and inpatient rehabilitation also declined (12.4% vs 2.1%). Readmissions also decreased (8.1% vs 7.1%) saving an average of $324 per patient. When compared to 2007-2012, total costs declined most rapidly after 2013 primarily due to a $3516 (21%) decrease in post-acute spending.

CONCLUSION

There has been a substantial decline in post-acute care costs and resource utilization following TKA, with the largest decrease occurring following the introduction of Medicare bundled payment models in 2013.

Improving the Delivery of Function-Directed Care During Acute Hospitalizations: Methods to Develop and Validate the Functional Assessment in Acute Care Multidimensional Computerized Adaptive Test (FAMCAT)

OBJECTIVE

To (1) develop a patient-reported, multidomain functional assessment tool focused on medically ill patients in acute care settings; (2) characterize the measure's psychometric performance; and (3) establish clinically actionable score strata that link to easily implemented mobility preservation plans.

DESIGN

This article describes the approach that our team pursued to develop and characterize this tool, the Functional Assessment in Acute Care Multidimensional Computer Adaptive Test (FAMCAT). Development involved a multistep process that included (1) expanding and refining existing item banks to optimize their salience for hospitalized patients; (2) administering candidate items to a calibration cohort; (3) estimating multidimensional item response theory models; (4) calibrating the item banks; (5) evaluating potential multidimensional computerized adaptive testing (MCAT) enhancements; (6) parameterizing the MCAT; (7) administering it to patients in a validation cohort; and (8) estimating its predictive and psychometric characteristics.

SETTING

A large (2000-bed) Midwestern Medical Center.

PARTICIPANTS

The overall sample included 4495 adults (2341 in a calibration cohort, 2154 in a validation cohort) who were admitted either to medical services with at least 1 chronic condition or to surgical/medical services if they required readmission after a hospitalization for surgery (N=4495).

INTERVENTION

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Not applicable.

RESULTS

The FAMCAT is an instrument designed to permit the efficient, precise, low-burden, multidomain functional assessment of hospitalized patients. We tried to optimize the FAMCAT's efficiency and precision, as well as its ability to perform multiple assessments during a hospital stay, by applying cutting edge methods such as the adaptive measure of change (AMC), differential item functioning computerized adaptive testing, and integration of collateral test-taking information, particularly item response times. Evaluation of these candidate methods suggested that all may enhance MCAT performance, but none were integrated into initial MCAT parameterization.

CONCLUSIONS

The FAMCAT has the potential to address a longstanding need for structured, frequent, and accurate functional assessment among patients hospitalized with medical diagnoses and complications of surgery.

Discontinuation of Intraoperative Liposomal Bupivacaine in Primary THA Does Not Clinically Change Postoperative Subjective Pain, Opioid Consumption, or Objective Functional Status

BACKGROUND

There is debate regarding the benefit of liposomal bupivacaine (LB) as part of a periarticular injection (PAI) in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Here, we evaluate the effect of discontinuing intraoperative LB PAI on immediate postoperative subjective pain, opioid consumption, and objective functional outcomes.

METHODS

On July 1, 2019, an institutional policy discontinued the use of intraoperative LB PAI. A consecutive cohort that received LB PAI and a subsequent cohort that did not were compared. All patients received the same opioid-sparing protocol. Nursing documented verbal rating scale pain scores were averaged per patient per 12-hour interval. Opiate administration events were converted into morphine milligram equivalences per patient per 24-hour interval. The validated Activity Measure for Postacute Care (AM-PAC) tool was used to evaluate functional outcomes.

RESULTS

Six hundred thirty eight primary THAs received LB followed by 939 that did not. In the non-LB THAs, BMI was higher (30.06 vs 29.43; P < .05). Besides marital status, the remaining baseline demographics were similar between the two cohorts (P > .05). The non-LB THA cohort demonstrated a marginal increase in verbal rating scale pain scores between 12 to 24 hours (4.42 ± 1.70 vs 4.20 ± 1.87; P < .05) and 36 to 48 hours (4.49 ± 1.72 vs 4.21 ± 1.83; P < .05). There was no difference in inpatient opioid administration up to 96 hours postoperatively (P > .05) or AM-PAC functional scores within the first 24 hours (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

A small statistical, but not clinically meaningful, difference was observed in subjective pain scores with LB PAI discontinuation. Opioid consumption and postoperative AM-PAC functional scores were unchanged after LB PAI discontinuation.

Adductor Canal Blocks Reduce Inpatient Opioid Consumption While Maintaining Noninferior Pain Control and Functional Outcomes After Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

The use of perioperative adductor canal blocks (PABs) continues to be a highly debated topic for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Here, we evaluate the effect of PABs on immediate postoperative subjective pain scores, opioid consumption, and objective functional outcomes.

METHODS

On December 1, 2019, an institution-wide policy change was begun to use PABs in primary elective TKAs. Patient demographics, immediate postoperative nursing documented pain scores, opioid administration events, and validated physical therapy functional scores were prospectively collected as part of the standard of care and retrospectively queried through our electronic data warehouse. A historical comparison cohort was derived from consecutive patients undergoing TKA between July 1, 2019 and November 30, 2019.

RESULTS

405 primary TKAs received PABs, while 789 patients were in the control cohort. Compared with controls, average verbal rating scale pain scores were lower among PAB recipients from 0-12 hours (2.42 ± 1.60 vs 2.05 ± 1.60; <.001) and 24-36 hours (4.92 ± 2.00 vs 4.47 ± 2.27; <.01). PAB recipients demonstrated significantly lower opioid consumption within the first 24 hours (44.34 ± 40.98 vs 36.83 ± 48.13; P < .01) and during their total inpatient stay (92.27 ± 109.81 vs 77.52 ± 123.11; <.05). AM-PAC scores within the first 24 hours were also higher for PABs (total scores: 20.28 ± 3.06 vs 20.71 ± 3.12; <.05).

CONCLUSION

While the minimal clinically important differences in pain scores and functional status were comparable between both cohorts, patients demonstrated a significant reduction in overall inpatient opiate consumption after the introduction of PABs. Surgeons should consider these findings when evaluating for perioperative pain management, opioid-sparing, and rapid discharge protocols.

Association of AM-PAC "6-Clicks" Basic Mobility and Daily Activity Scores With Discharge Destination

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to use the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care "6-Clicks" scores at initial physical therapist and/or occupational therapist evaluation to assess (1) predictive ability for community versus institutional discharge, and (2) association with discharge destination (home/self-care [HOME], home health [HHA], skilled nursing facility [SNF], and inpatient rehabilitation facility [IRF]).

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, initial "6-Clicks" Basic Mobility and/or Daily Activity t scores and discharge destination were obtained from electronic health records of 17,546 inpatient admissions receiving physical therapy/occupational therapy at an academic hospital between October 1, 2015 and August 31, 2018. For objective (1), postacute discharge destination was dichotomized to community (HOME and HHA) and institution (SNF and IRF). Receiver operator characteristic curves determined the most predictive Basic Mobility and Daily Activity scores for discharge destination. For objective (2), adjusted odds ratios (OR) from multinomial logistic regression assessed association between discharge destination (HOME, HHA, SNF, IRF) and cut-point scores for Basic Mobility (≤40.78 vs >40.78) and Daily Activity (≤40.22 vs >40.22), accounting for patient and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

Area under the curve for Basic Mobility was 0.80 (95% CI = 0.80-0.81) and Daily Activity was 0.81 (95% CI = 0.80-0.82). The best cut-point for Basic Mobility was 40.78 (raw score = 16; sensitivity = 0.71 and specificity = 0.74) and for Daily Activity was 40.22 (raw score = 19; sensitivity = 0.68 and specificity = 0.79). Basic Mobility and Daily Activity were significantly associated with discharge destination, with those above the cut-point resulting in increased odds of discharge HOME. The Basic Mobility scores ≤40.78 had higher odds of discharge to HHA (OR = 1.7 [95% CI = 1.5-1.9]), SNF (OR = 7.8 [95% CI = 6.8-8.9]), and IRF (OR = 7.5 [95% CI = 6.3-9.1]), and the Daily Activity scores ≤40.22 had higher odds of discharge to HHA (OR = 1.8 [95% CI = 1.7-2.0]), SNF (OR = 8.9 [95% CI = 7.9-10.0]), and IRF (OR = 11.4 [95% CI = 9.7-13.5]).

CONCLUSION

6-Clicks at physical therapist/occupational therapist initial evaluation demonstrated good prediction for discharge decisions. Higher scores were associated with discharge to HOME; lower scores reflected discharge to settings with increased support levels.

IMPACT

Initial Basic Mobility and Daily Activity scores are valuable clinical tools in the determination of discharge destination.

A Preoperative Risk Prediction Tool for Discharge to a Skilled Nursing or Rehabilitation Facility After Total Joint Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Discharge to rehabilitation or a skilled nursing facility (SNF) after total joint arthroplasty remains a primary driver of cost excess for bundled payments. An accurate preoperative risk prediction tool would help providers and health systems identify and modulate perioperative care for higher risk individuals and serve as a vital tool in preoperative clinic as part of shared decision-making regarding the risks/benefits of surgery.

METHODS

A total of 10,155 primary total knee (5,570, 55%) and hip (4,585, 45%) arthroplasties performed between June 2013 and January 2018 at a single institution were reviewed. The predictive ability of 45 variables for discharge location (SNF/rehab vs home) was tested, including preoperative sociodemographic factors, intraoperative metrics, postoperative labs, as well as 30 Elixhauser comorbidities. Parameters surviving selection were included in a multivariable logistic regression model, which was calibrated using 20,000 bootstrapped samples.

RESULTS

A total of 1786 (17.6%) cases were discharged to a SNF/rehab, and a multivariable logistic regression model demonstrated excellent predictive accuracy (area under the receiver operator characteristic curve: 0.824) despite requiring only 9 preoperative variables: age, partner status, the American Society of Anesthesiologists score, body mass index, gender, neurologic disease, electrolyte disorder, paralysis, and pulmonary circulation disorder. Notably, this model was independent of surgery (knee vs hip). Internal validation showed no loss of accuracy (area under the receiver operator characteristic curve: 0.8216, mean squared error: 0.0004) after bias correction for overfitting, and the model was incorporated into a readily available, online prediction tool for easy clinical use.

CONCLUSION

This convenient, interactive tool for estimating likelihood of discharge to a SNF/rehab achieves excellent accuracy using exclusively preoperative factors. These should form the basis for improved reimbursement legislation adjusting for patient risk, ensuring no disparities in access arise for vulnerable populations.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Preoperative malnutrition is a risk factor for delayed recovery of mobilization after total hip arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION

Many studies have examined nutritional status and deteriorated postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. However, few studies have focused on nutritional status and postoperative mobility.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of preoperative nutritional status on mobility after total hip arthroplasty.

DESIGN

Retrospective single-institution cohort study.

SETTING

Orthopedic inpatient rehabilitation center.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 503 patients who underwent unilateral primary total hip arthroplasty from 2015 through 2019 were included.

METHODS

Data were collected on patient demographics, comorbidities, preoperative nutritional status, and quadriceps strength. Nutritional status was assessed using the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The primary outcome was postoperative mobility defined as the number of days from surgery to starting to walk independently.

RESULTS

Among 503 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty, 18.9% were classified as malnourished. Patients with malnutrition had a one-day delay in achieving mobilization compared with patients with normal nutrition (6 vs. 5 days, P = .006). According to the Kaplan-Meier curves, patients with malnutrition had a significant delay in mobilization compared with those with normal nutrition (P < .001). All three Cox proportional hazards regression models showed that preoperative malnutrition was associated with a higher risk of delayed mobilization (hazard ratios 0.70-0.74).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative malnutrition as assessed by the CONUT is a significant risk factor for delayed recovery of mobilization after total hip arthroplasty.

Predictive utility of the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care '6-Clicks' short forms on discharge disposition and effect on readmissions: a retrospective observational cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the predictive utility of the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care '6-Clicks' daily activity and basic mobility functional assessment short forms on inpatient discharge to home compared with skilled nursing facilities, including by diagnostic group (trauma injury, major lower joint replacement/reattachment, spinal fusion excluding cervical), as well as assess the effect of the short forms on 30-day inpatient readmissions.

DESIGN

Retrospective, observational cohort study of electronic health record data.

SETTING

Five hospitals in a multistate, integrated healthcare system serving a large, rural US population.

PARTICIPANTS

The population-based adult (age ≥18) sample of acute care hospitalised patients receiving rehabilitation services included 10 316 patients with 12 314 hospital admissions from the year prior to 6-Clicks implementation (1 June 2015-31 May 2016) (pre-6-Clicks cohort) and 10 931 patients with 13 241 admissions from the year after 6-Clicks implementation (1 January 2017-31 December 2017) (post-6-Clicks cohort). Patients were admitted for major lower joint replacement/reattachment, spinal fusion excluding cervical, trauma injury or another reason.

INTERVENTION

Occupational and physical therapist use of 6-Clicks daily activity and basic mobility short forms in the post-6-Clicks cohort.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES

Discharge disposition (home, including to assisted living, or skilled nursing facility, including swing beds) and 30-day inpatient readmissions.

RESULTS

Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.82-0.92 (daily activity) and 0.87-0.94 (basic mobility) for discharge to home or skilled nursing facilities, with trauma and spinal fusion patients having the highest values. Daily activity and basic mobility standardised positive and negative predictive values were highest for the three diagnostic groups compared with the full study sample. Few significant differences in 30-day readmissions were seen between pre- and post-6-Clicks cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

6-Clicks performed well when distinguishing between discharge home or skilled nursing facilities, especially by diagnostic group, supporting use by occupational and physical therapists in discharge planning. Future research could assess where additional intervention or training may reduce 30-day readmissions.

An Electronic Medical Record-Based Discharge Disposition Tool Gets Bundle Busted: Decaying Relevance of Clinical Data Accuracy in Machine Learning

Background

Determining discharge disposition after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) has been a challenge. Advances in machine learning (ML) have produced computer models that learn by example to generate predictions on future events. We hypothesized a trained ML algorithm’s diagnostic accuracy will be better than that of current predictive tools to predict discharge disposition after primary TJA.

Methods

This study was a retrospective cohort study from a single, tertiary referral center for primary TJA. We trained and validated an artificial neural network (ANN) based on 4368 distinct surgical encounters between 1/1/2013 and 6/28/2016. The ANN’s ability to identify discharge disposition was then tested on 1452 distinct surgical encounters between 1/3/17 and 11/30/17.

Results

The area under the curve and accuracy achieved during model validation were 0.973 and 91.7%, respectively, with 25% of patients being discharged to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Within our testing data set, 6.7% of patients went to SNFs. The performance in the testing set included an area under the curve of 0.804, accuracy of 61.3%, sensitivity of 28.9%, and specificity of 93.8%.

Conclusions

This is the first prediction tool using an electronic medical record–integrated ANN to predict discharge disposition after TJA based on locally generated data. Dramatically reduced numbers of patients discharged to SNFs due to implementation of a bundled payment model lead to poor recall in the testing model. This model serves as a proof of concept for developing an ML prediction tool using a relatively small data set and subsequent integration into the electronic medical record.

Physical Therapist Management of Total Knee Arthroplasty

A clinical practice guideline on total knee arthroplasty was developed by an American Physical Therapy (APTA) volunteer guideline development group that consisted of physical therapists, an orthopedic surgeon, a nurse, and a consumer. The guideline was based on systematic reviews of current scientific and clinical information and accepted approaches to management of total knee arthroplasty.

Use of the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care "6 Clicks" Basic Mobility Inpatient Short Form and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale to Predict Hospital Discharge Disposition After Stroke

OBJECTIVE

Therapists in the hospital are charged with making timely discharge recommendations to improve access to rehabilitation after stroke. The objective of this study was to identify the predictive ability of the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care "6 Clicks" Basic Mobility Inpatient Short Form (6 Clicks mobility) score and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score for actual hospital discharge disposition after stroke.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, data were collected from an academic hospital in the United States for 1543 patients with acute stroke and a 6 Clicks mobility score. Discharge to home, a skilled nursing facility (SNF), or an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) was the primary outcome. Associations among these outcomes and 6 Clicks mobility and NIHSS scores, alone or together, were tested using multinomial logistic regression, and the predictive ability of these scores was calculated using concordance statistics.

RESULTS

A higher 6 Clicks mobility score alone was associated with a decreased odds of actual discharge to an IRF or an SNF. The 6 Clicks mobility score alone was a strong predictor of discharge to home versus an IRF or an SNF. However, predicting discharge to an IRF versus an SNF was stronger when the 6 Clicks mobility score was considered in combination with the NIHSS score, age, sex, and race.

CONCLUSION

The 6 Clicks mobility score alone can guide discharge decision making after stroke, particularly for discharge to home versus an SNF or an IRF. Determining discharge to an SNF versus an IRF could be improved by also considering the NIHSS score, age, sex, and race. Future studies should seek to identify which additional characteristics improve predictability for these separate discharge destinations.

IMPACT

The use of outcome measures can improve therapist confidence in making discharge recommendations for people with stroke, can enhance hospital throughput, and can expedite access to rehabilitation, ultimately affecting functional outcomes.

Physical Function in the Hospital Is Associated With Patient-Centered Outcomes in an Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility

OBJECTIVE

Poor knowledge of the relationships between physical function (PF) in the hospital and patient outcomes in an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) limits the identification of patients most appropriate for discharge to an IRF. This study aimed to test for independent associations between PF measured via the AM-PAC "6-clicks" basic mobility short form in the hospital and outcomes in an IRF.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study. Primary data were collected from an acute hospital and IRF at 1 academic medical center. Associations were tested between PF at hospital admission or discharge and PF improvement in the IRF, discharge from the IRF to the community, and 30-day hospital events by estimating adjusted relative risk (aRR) using modified Poisson regression and the relative difference in IRF length of stay (LOS) using Gamma regression.

RESULTS

A total of 1323 patients were included. Patients with moderately low, (aRR = 1.50; 95% CI = 1.15-1.93), moderately high (aRR = 1.52; 95% CI = 1.16-2.01), or high (aRR = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.02-1.85) PF at hospital discharge were more likely than those with very low PF to improve their PF while in the IRF. These same patients were more likely to discharge from IRF to the community and had significantly shorter IRF LOS. Hospital-measured PF did not differentiate risk for 30-day hospital events.

CONCLUSION

Patients with moderate-but not very low or very high-PF measured near the time of acute hospital discharge were likely to achieve meaningful PF improvement in an IRF. They also had a shorter IRF LOS so may be ideal candidates for discharge to IRF. Prospective studies with larger samples are necessary to test this assertion.

IMPACT

Providers in the hospital should identify patients with moderate PF near the time of hospital discharge as those who may benefit most from post-acute rehabilitation in an IRF.

Utilization of a Novel Opioid-Sparing Protocol in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty Results in Reduced Opiate Consumption and Improved Functional Status

BACKGROUND

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) candidates have historically received high doses of opioids within the perioperative period; however, the amounts are being continually reduced as awareness of opioid abuse spreads. Here we seek to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel opiate-sparing protocol (OSP) for primary THAs in reducing opiate administrations, while maintaining similar levels of pain control and postoperative function.

METHODS

All patients undergoing primary THA between January 1, 2019 and June 30, 2019 were placed under a novel OSP. Data were prospectively collected as part of standard of care. To assess the primary outcome of opiate consumption, nursing documented opiate administration events were converted into morphine milligram equivalences (MMEs) per patient encounter per 24-hour interval. Postoperative pain and functional status were assessed as secondary outcomes using the Verbal Rating Scale for pain and the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care scores, respectively.

RESULTS

One thousand fifty primary THAs had received our institution's OSP, and 953 patients were utilized as our historical control. OSP patients demonstrated significantly lower 0-24, 24-48, and 48-72 hours with less opiate administration variance (total MME: Control 75.55 ± 121.07 MME vs OSP 57.10 ± 87.48 MME; 24.42% decrease, P < .001). Although pain scores reached statistical significance between 0 and 12 (Control 2.09 vs OSP 2.36, P < .001), their differences were not clinically significant. Finally, OSP patients demonstrated a trend toward higher Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care scores across all 6 domains (total scores: Control 20.53 ± 3.67 vs OSP 20.76 ± 3.64, P = .18).

CONCLUSION

Implementation of an OSP can significantly decrease the utilization of opioids in the immediate postoperative period. Inpatient opioid administration can be significantly reduced while maintaining a comparable and non-inferior level of pain and function.

Factors Affecting Discharge Disposition After Primary Simultaneous Bilateral Joint Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Predicting discharge destination following total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is important, as discharge destination has major implications for post-operative costs, clinical outcomes, and readmissions. Few studies have looked at factors affecting discharge destination for patients following primary simultaneous bilateral total joint arthroplasty.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

The purpose of this study was to describe clinical and social factors that relate to a discharge to home versus rehabilitation facility (RF) for patients after primary simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty (PSBTHA) or primary simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (PSBTKA).

METHODS

The inclusion criteria for this retrospective cohort study were all patients after PSBTHA or PSBTKA at a metropolitan orthopedic specialty hospital between February 1, 2016, and March 31, 2018. Exclusion criteria were revisions, differing weight-bearing status, bed-rest orders, and non-standard hip precautions. Social and clinical demographic data were collected. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine which factors related most to discharge plan.

RESULTS

Of 253 PSBTHA patients, 153 were discharged home and 100 to an RF. Regression analysis found a posterolateral approach to be the only significant factor associated with an RF discharge. Of 619 PSBTKA patients, 136 were discharged home and 483 to RF. Increased body mass index and older age increased the likelihood of discharge to an RF. Patients with an adductor-only nerve block were more likely to be sent to RF.

CONCLUSION

These findings shed light on the variables that contribute to discharge destination after PSBTHA and PSBTKA. Such information allows for safe pre-operative discharge planning and assists with discharge to the appropriate level of patient care. Future studies might investigate the effect of surgeon experience, surgical technique, and pre-operative discussion with a physical therapist on the discharge disposition of patients undergoing bilateral total joint arthroplasty.

Do Sociodemographic Factors Relate to Walking Ability in Individuals Who Underwent Total Knee Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common health problems in older adults and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is able to improve walking ability in these individuals. There have been few studies investigating whether sociodemographic factors influence walking ability after TKA. The aim of this study was to examine which sociodemographic factors relate to walking ability in Japanese older adults following TKA during the acute stage of recovery.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study included 388 participants, from a multicenter database, who underwent TKA. The Timed Up and Go test 2 weeks after TKA was the dependent variable. Sociodemographic factors including age, sex, body mass index, marital status, and academic qualification were independent variables. In addition, type of surgery and severity of osteoarthritis were measured as confounding variables. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to predict the factors that have the greatest influence on walking ability. Models were examined with and without confounding factors.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

In the final regression model, older age, conventional TKA approaches, increased severity of Kellgren-Lawrence grade, and women were associated with longer Timed Up and Go time. Academic qualification and marital status were not related to walking ability.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that age, type of surgery, severity of osteoarthritis, and sex are related to Timed Up and Go time during the acute stage following TKA and need to be assessed.

Reduced version of the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) for inpatients, "6-clicks": Brazilian-Portuguese cross-cultural adaptation and measurement properties

BACKGROUND

The "6-clicks" is the reduced version of the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care for inpatients that assesses limitations in basic mobility, daily activity, and applied cognitive, simply and quickly.

OBJECTIVE

Cross-culturally adapt the "6-clicks" into Brazilian-Portuguese and verify its measurement properties.

METHODS

Cross-cultural adaptation followed recommendations from international guidelines. Reliability indices, standard error of measurement and minimum detectable difference were calculated. Participants included 13 professionals, 13 patients and 13 companions. Test of measurement properties involved 101 patients' of both sexes, hospitalized in the infirmary, under physical therapy care, able to understand and respond to commands and with no discharge expectation. Their 30 companions were also included.

RESULTS

Minor changes implemented to the original version. The three domains showed adequate internal consistency (α>0.65). Inter-rater reliability (n=50) and test-retest reliability, when administer to patients (n=51) and to companions (n=30), showed good for basic mobility domain (ICC_2.1=0.81, 0.83 and 0.82, respectively), good to moderate for daily activity (ICC_2.1=0.78 and ICC_3.1=0.71 and 0.82, respectively) and moderate to poor for applied cognitive (ICC_2.1=0.64, 0.36 and ICC_3.1=0.63), respectively. The highest agreements among patients/companions were also in basic mobility. Standard error of measurement ranged from 2.03 to 2.64 while the minimum detectable difference ranged from 5.63 to 7.32.

CONCLUSION

Translated and adapted Brazilian version of the "6-clicks" showed acceptable measurement properties. The functional data provided by the instrument could be used to enhance care and help treatment follow-up.

Predicting Adverse Outcomes After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Comparison of Demographics, the American Society of Anesthesiologists class, the Modified Charlson Comorbidity Index, and the Modified Frailty Index

INTRODUCTION

No known study has compared the predictive power of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, modified Charlson Comorbidity Index, modified Frailty Index, and demographic characteristics for general health complications after total hip arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS

Comorbidity indices and demographics from National Surgical Quality Improvement Program THA patients were evaluated for discriminative ability in predicting adverse outcomes using the area under the curve analysis from the receiver operating characteristic curves. Perioperative outcomes included any adverse event, severe adverse events, minor adverse events, extended hospital stay, and discharge to higher-level care.

RESULTS

In total, 64,792 THA patients were identified. The most predictive comorbidity index was ASA, and demographic factor was age. Of these, age had the greatest discriminative ability for four of the five adverse outcomes.

CONCLUSION

For THA, easily obtained patient ASA and age are more predictive of perioperative adverse outcomes than the more complex and numerically tabulated modified Charlson Comorbidity Index and modified Frailty Index.

Does Discharge Destination Matter after Total Knee Arthroplasty? A Single-Institution Korean Experience

Purpose

To compare extended care facility (ECF) and home as discharge destination after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at a single high-volume tertiary center in South Korea.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 1,120 primary TKAs (614 patients) performed between January 2012 and December 2013. A telephonic survey was conducted to determine discharge destination. The data reviewed included demographic and surgical data, functional outcome at 2 years and complications within 3 months.

Results

ECF and home received 316 patients (51%) and 298 patients (49%), respectively. The ECF group had more bilateral TKA patients than the home group (272 vs. 234; p=0.014) and more patients with additional hospital stay (44 vs. 22; p=0.009). A higher tendency of complications was seen at home (n=8, 2.7%) than the ECF (n=2, 0.6%) (p=0.057). No significant differences were found in any functional outcome measure. Home patients had better patient satisfaction than ECF patients (81.9% vs. 54.3%; p<0.001).

Conclusions

Patients who returned home after discharge had similar functional outcome at 2 years after surgery and higher patient satisfaction than those in the ECF in spite of the higher tendency of complications. Patients need adequate counseling and education regarding advantages and limitations of the two discharge destinations.

Current Trends in Discharge Disposition and Post-discharge Care After Total Joint Arthroplasty

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this manuscript is to review published literature over the last 5 years to assess recent trends and influencing factors regarding discharge disposition and post-discharge care following total joint arthroplasty. We evaluated instruments proposed to predict a patient's discharge disposition and summarize reports investigating the safety in sending more patients home by reviewing complications and readmission rates.

RECENT FINDINGS

Current literature supports decreased length of hospital stay and increased discharge to home with cost savings and stable readmission rates. Surgeons with defined clinical pathways and those who shape patient expectations may more effectively control costs than those without defined pathways. Further research is needed analyzing best practices in care coordination, managing patient expectations, and cost-effective analysis of home discharge while at the same time ensuring patient outcomes are optimized following total joint arthroplasty.