A Health Service Transition to Adult Patient Care for Sickle Cell Disease

This paper explores the challenges related to long-term conditions,focusing on sickle cell disease(SCD)as a case study.Long-term conditions,characterized by the need for ongoing management,present a substantial burden on healthcare systems globally.A careful transition from pediatric to adult healthcare is needed for SCD.The discussion extends to the broader health service transition to adult patient care in SCD,emphasizing the World Health Organization’s definition of care transitions and the necessity for an integrated healthcare service.The emphasis is on a multidisciplinary approach to medical,mental health,and educational problems.A person-centered model of care should be used more consistently to resolve these long-term condition-related challenges.To evaluate the effectiveness of new interventions in improving the transition of care from pediatrics to adult patients with SCD,continuous quality improvement strategies should be implemented and prospectively measured in younger patients.In conclusion,this study highlights the critical importance of an effective transition from pediatric to adult healthcare.The continued research of effective transition practices is essential for the future and there is still a requirement to develop pragmatic approaches to enhance research on the transition to improve the quality of healthcare for patients with long-term conditions.

Development of the Transitional Care Model for nursing care in China's Mainland:A literature review

Background:The Transitional Care Model(TCM)for nursing care has yet to be implemented in China despite its success in Western countries.However,rapid social changes have demanded an upgrade in the quality of nursing care;in 2010,the Chinese government has acknowledged the need to implement the TCM in China.Objective:This study has the following objectives:(1)perform a thorough review of the literature regarding the development and implementation of the TCM in China's Mainland within the past 5 years;(2)provide a comprehensive discussion of the current status,problems,and strategies related to the implementation of the TCM in China's Mainland;and(3)suggest strategies pertaining to the future of the TCM in China.Design:The current pertinent literature is systematically reviewed.Data sources:Systematic and manual searches in computerized databases for relevant studies regarding the TCM led to the inclusion of 26 papers in this review.Review methods:Abstracts that satisfied the inclusion criteria were reviewed independently by the two authors of this manuscript,and discrepancies were resolved through discussion.The same reviewers independently assessed the paper in its entirety for selected abstracts.Results:The present English literature reviewrevealed a paucity of updated information about the development and implementation of the TCM in China's Mainland.Nevertheless,the dramatic growth of the TCM in the past 5 years has had a vital impact within the society and in nursing development.This review also revealed numerous issues regarding the focus of the TCM.Overall implications for practiceandrecommendations for future researchare discussed.Conclusion:Despite the potential of this nursing model to have a successful and beneficial impact in China's Mainland,it remains an under-researched topic.Further research on education and training as well as premium policies for nurses under the TCM are needed.

Continuing Care for Older Patients During the Transitional Period

Background： The world is facing increasing pressure with the continuous growth of the older population. Older patients are usually discharged with complex medical problems, high stress and vulnerability, and these factors place the elderly at risk for poor outcomes. Purpose： The present review summarizes a method for providing appropriate and affordable health services by nursing professionals to meet older patient＇s health care needs during their transitional period which is defined as a period from discharge after hospitalization for a major disorder to recovery in a home setting. Summary： Older patients with chronic diseases need seamless health care during a transitional period-a highly stressful and vulnerable period for them. Nurse professionals can conduct decent discharge planning to assist older patients with transitional problems through continuous healthcare. This review summarized the need of continuing care for older patients during the transitional period, the definition of discharge planning, the conceptual framework of discharge planning, and the professionals involved in discharge planning. It also highlighted the problems of discharge planning and follow-up intervention implementation in the mainland of China. Clinical implications： Inadequate discharge planning and follow-up were leading factors associ- ated with the readmission of discharged older patients. Further nursing-led discharge planning should be reinforced in China.

Transitional care for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objectives:To observe the effects of transitional care on the quality of life of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)patients.Methods:A total of 114 COPD patients were recruited from the First Affiliated Hospital,Sun Yat-sen University,Guangzhou,China and divided equally into an intervention group and control group.Following discharge,patients from the intervention group recieved threemonths intervention in addition to regular nursing care,while control group patients received regular nursing care only.Patients’quality of life was measured using the St.George’s respiratory questionnaire(SGRQ),the 12-item General Health Questionnaire(GHQ-12)and body mass index(BMI).Results:The symptoms section score,the activity section score,the impacts section score,the total score and the rate of mental disorders were significantly changed after the intervention while there was no statistical difference in BMI between groups.Conclusions:Transitional care can improve health-related quality of life in COPD patients who have recently suffered an exacerbation.

Effects of hospital–community integrated transitional care on quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objective: To explore the effects of “hospital–community integrated transitional care” model on quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: A total of 117 inpatients with COPD from the Department of Respiratory Medicine in a tertiary general hospital in Nanjing were enrolled by convenience sampling from January to December in 2016 and then were divided into intervention group (n = 60) and control group (n = 57) by random number table. Patients in the intervention group accepted both routine care and hospital– community integrated transitional care for 3 months after discharge. Assessment of quality of life by telephone follow-up or interview within a week before discharge and 1, 3, and 6 months after discharge was evaluated using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) health survey questionnaire. Results: For a total score of quality of life, there was a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05): 1, 3, and 6 months after discharge. In addition, for each dimension score of quality of life, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) except vitality dimension, 1 month after discharge, and there were significant differences in all dimensions, 3 and 6 months after discharge (P < 0.05) Conclusions: Hospital–community integrated transitional care model can improve the quality of life of patients with COPD.

Barriers in the Transition of Care for Heart Failure Patients Attending Clinics in Mwanza City, Tanzania

Introduction: Transition of care strategies have shown to improve quality of lives of heart failure patients, but it has little implemented in clinical settings. Objective: To evaluate context-specific perceived barriers and experiences of heart failure patients during their admission and after they were discharged from hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted among 13 heart failure patients at two large referral hospitals in northwestern Tanzania. In-depth interviews among heart failure patients, in line with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative research checklist, were used to collect data. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. Results: Three key barriers were identified, as well as possible solutions that could improve the transition of care for heart failure patients. These include strengthening healthcare provider communications, organizing medication management, and assisting with follow-up appointments. Conclusion: The barriers identified are real and challenging in clinical resource- limited settings. Findings suggest they can be overcome when realistic and tailor-made interventions are in place.

Transitional care interventions to reduce readmission in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease:A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objective：To objectively assess the effect of transitional care on readmission for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Methods：The PubMed,Science Direct,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,CNKI,and Wanfang databases were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials（RCTs） published from January 1990 through April 2016.The quality of eligible studies was assessed by two investigators.The primary outcome assessed was readmission for COPD and all-cause readmission.The pooled effect sizes were expressed as the relative risk and standard mean difference with 95%confidence intervals.Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions（Version5.1.0） and determined with an I^2 statistic.Results：A total of seven RCTs that included 1879 participants who met the inclusion criteria were analyzed.The results of subgroup analysis showed significant differences in readmission for COPD at the6 month and 18 month time points and all-cause readmission at the 18 month follow-up.Transitional care could reduce readmission for COPD at the 6 month[RR = 0.51,95%CI（0.38,0.68）,P 〈 0.00001]and18 month time points[RR = 0.56,95%CI（0.45,0.69）,P 〈 0.00001,and also reduce all-cause readmission after 18 months[RR = 0.72,95%CI（0.62,0.84）,P 〈 0.0001].The reduction of all-cause readmission between the intervention and control groups in the 2nd year,however,was less than that in the 1st year.Conclusions：Transitional care is beneficial to reducing readmission for patients with COPD.Duration of≥ 6 and ≤ 18 months are more effective,and the effect weakens over intervention time,especially after the end of intervention.Both durations point to the importance of ongoing intervention and reinforcement after the end of intervention.

Application of transitional care model in cancer pain management after discharge: a randomized controlled trial

Objective： We sought to determine any benefits of applying a transitional care model in the continuum of cancer pain management, especially after patients＇ discharge from the hospital. Methods： A total of 156 eligible participants were recruited and randomly assigned into intervention or control groups. The control group received standard care, while the intervention group received extra, specialized transitional care of pain management. Outcomes were measured at weeks 0 and 2-4 and included demographic data, the Brief Pain Inventory, Global Quality of Life Scale, and Satisfaction Degree of Nursing Service. Adequacy of analgesia and severity of pain were assessed with the Pain Management Index and interview findings. Results： After 2-4 weeks of intervention, there was a significant difference in the change in average pain score between intervention and control groups （P 〈 0.05）. Reductions in pain scores were significantly greater in the intervention group than in the control group （difference： 0.98, P 〈 0.05）. Regarding pain management outcomes, there was a significantly better condition in the intervention group compared with the control group; in the intervention group, 79% of patients had adequate opioids, whereas in the control group, only 63% of patients reported having adequate opioids. Furthermore, there was a signif- icant difference between the two groups in quality of life （QOL） scores （P 〈 0.05）; the intervention group had significantly higher quality of life than the control group （difference： 1.06）. Finally, there was a significant difference in the degree of satisfaction with the home nursing service; the intervention group had a significantly higher degree of satisfaction with the home nursing service in three aspects： quality, content, and attitude of service. Conclusions： The application of a transitional care model in cancer pain management after discharge could help patients to improve their cancer pain management knowledge and analgesics compliance. In addition, the continuum of care service will contribute to effective communication between health care providers and patients, which could further improve their relationship.

Outpatient telephonic transitional care after hospital discharge improves survival in cirrhotic patients

BACKGROUND Intervention to improve outcomes in cirrhotic patients (CP) after hospital discharge often focus on 30 d readmission rate (RR). However, recent studies suggest dissociation between RR and survival. At our center, CP are now offered outpatient telephonic transitional care (OTTC) by a care coordinator for 30 d after hospital discharge. AIM To determine the effect of OTTC on survival in CP. METHODS In this cohort study from a tertiary center, CP who received OTTC formed the intervention group. They were compared with a control group discharged during the same period. Mortality and RR were compared between the groups. RESULTS After OTTC introduction, 194 CP were discharged. After applying exclusion criteria, 169 CP (51% male, mean age 58 years ± 12 years) were included. OTTC group comprised 76 patients and was compared with 93 controls. Baseline disease and index admission related characteristics were not significantly different between the groups. The intervention group showed significantly higher 6 mo survival compared to controls (84.2% vs 68.8%;P = 0.03), while RR at 1, 3, and 6 mo were comparable. On multivariable analysis, the intervention group showed lower odds for mortality compared to the controls (hazard ratio: 0.4;95% confidence interval: 0.2-0.82;P = 0.012), while higher model for endstage liver disease scores were associated with higher mortality (hazard ratio: 1.05;95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.1;P = 0.024).CONCLUSION CP provided OTTC had higher 6 mo survival compared to controls without a difference in RR. Use of RR to gauge quality of care provided during hospitalization or subsequent transitional care programs should be revisited.

Effect of Transitional Care Model on Low Birth Weight Premature Infants: a meta-analysis

Objective: To systematically review the effect of Transitional Care model (TCM) on the growth and development of premature infants. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RTCs regarding the effect of TCM in low birth weight premature infants were retrieved in electronic databases such as the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, CBM (Chinese Biomedicine Database), CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), VIP (Chinese Scientific Journals Database) and Wanfang Database. Then, we adopted RevMan 5.3 software to perform a meta-analysis. Results: A total of 11 articles were included, including 1282 preterm infants. The result showed that compared with the routine care model, TCM can effectively increase the weight when premature infants discharged one week [MD=225.57, 95%CI (171.78, 279.37), P<0.001], increase the weight after discharged one month [MD=0.89, 95%CI (0.72, 1.06), P<0.001], increase the weight after discharged three months [MD=670.44, 95%CI (527.65, 813.23), P<0.001], promote the height of newborns [MD=4.54, 95%CI (2.42, 6.65), P<0.001], reduce readmission rate [RR=0.38, 95%CI (0.25, 0.58), P<0.001], alleviate adverse skin reactions [RR=0.33, 95%CI (0.22, 0.50), P<0.001], increase nursing satisfaction of the families [RR=1.21, 95%CI (1.13, 1.31), P<0.001]. Conclusion: TCM can effectively promote the growth and development of the low birth weight premature infants, reduce the hospital readmission rate, alleviate adverse skin reactions of premature infants and improve the nursing satisfaction of the families. However, due to the limitation of the region and quality of the included studies, which the accuracy of the result still be treated with more caution. Further high-quality studies are needed to verify the conclusion.

Improving the Transitional Care for Child Dental Nursing via the Use of Documentary Films

The purpose of this paper is utilizing quasi-experimental study to evaluate the educational value of a documentary film for transitional care about children dental health management The method used in this study is a pre-post survey among nurse viewers. The study was completed over a 12-month period. In the experimental group, when the nurses watched the documentary film, they evaluated the documentary film highly and reported an intention to change their transitional care practice and mind as a result of watching the documentary film. Following viewing, children and their parents felt more strongly that ＂children with dental problems should meet with a nurse early＂ and that ＂transitional care greatly impacts children oral health＂. As a result, a documentary film about oral transitional care is an effective educational tool to improve nurses＇ transitional care awareness among children about the importance and needs of children. The results suggest that if significant modifications are obtained, this approach can be an efficient way applicable to other contexts of patient care.

Outcomes and patients' perspectives of transition from paediatric to adult care in inflammatory bowel disease

AIM: To describe the disease and psychosocial outcomes of an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) transition cohort and their perspectives.METHODS: Patients with IBD, aged &#x0003e; 18 years, who had moved from paediatric to adult care within 10 years were identified through IBD databases at three tertiary hospitals. Participants were surveyed regarding demographic and disease specific data and their perspectives on the transition process. Survey response data were compared to contemporaneously recorded information in paediatric service case notes. Data were compared to a similar age cohort who had never received paediatric IBD care and therefore who had not undergone a transition process.RESULTS: There were 81 returned surveys from 46 transition and 35 non-transition patients. No statistically significant differences were found in disease burden, disease outcomes or adult roles and responsibilities between cohorts. Despite a high prevalence of mood disturbance (35%), there was a very low usage (5%) of psychological services in both cohorts. In the transition cohort, knowledge of their transition plan was reported by only 25/46 patients and the majority (54%) felt they were not strongly prepared. A high rate (78%) of discussion about work/study plans was recorded prior to transition, but a near complete absence of discussion regarding sex (8%), and other adult issues was recorded. Both cohorts agreed that their preferred method of future transition practices (of the options offered) was a shared clinic appointment with all key stakeholders.CONCLUSION: Transition did not appear to adversely affect disease or psychosocial outcomes. Current transition care processes could be optimised, with better psychosocial preparation and agreed transition plans.

Transitions of care across hospital settings in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) is a chronic, inflammatory disorder characterised by both intestinal and extra-intestinal pathology. Patients may receive both emergency and elective care from several providers, often in different hospital settings. Poorly managed transitions of care between providers can lead to inefficiencies in care and patient safety issues. To ensure that the sharing of patient information between providers is appropriate, timely, accurate and secure, effective data-sharing infrastructure needs to be developed. To optimise inter-hospital data-sharing for IBD patients, we need to better understand patterns of hospital encounters in this group.AIM To determine the type and location of hospital services accessed by IBD patients in England.METHODSThis was a retrospective observational study using Hospital Episode Statistics, a large administrative patient data set from the National Health Service in England.Adult patients with a diagnosis of IBD following admission to hospital were followed over a 2-year period to determine the proportion of care accessed at the same hospital providing their outpatient IBD care, defined as their ‘home provider'. Secondary outcome measures included the geographic distribution of patient-sharing, regional and age-related differences in accessing services, and type and frequency of outpatient encounters.RESULTS95055 patients accessed hospital services on 1760156 occasions over a 2-year follow-up period. The proportion of these encounters with their identified IBD‘home provider' was 73.3%, 87.8% and 83.1% for accident and emergency,inpatient and outpatient encounters respectively. Patients living in metropolitan centres and younger patients were less likely to attend their ‘home provider' for hospital services. The most commonly attended specialty services were gastroenterology, general surgery and ophthalmology.CONCLUSION Transitions of care between secondary care settings are common for patients with IBD. Effective systems of data-sharing and care integration are essential to providing safe and effective care for patients. Geographic and age-related patterns of care transitions identified in this study may be used to guide interventions aimed at improving continuity of care.

Transition of pediatric to adult care in inflammatory bowel disease: Is it as easy as 1, 2, 3?

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is a heterogeneous group of chronic diseases with a rising prevalence in the pediatric population,and up to 25%of IBD patients are diagnosed before 18 years of age.Adolescents with IBD tend to have more severe and extensive disease and eventually require graduation from pediatric care toadult services.The transition of patients from pediatric to adult gastroenterologists requires careful preparation and coordination,with involvement of all key players to ensure proper collaboration of care and avoid interruption in care.This can be challenging and associated with gaps in delivery of care.The pediatric and adult health paradigms have inherent differences between health care models,as well as health care priorities in IBD.The readiness of the young adult also influences this transition of care,with often times other overlaps in life events,such as school,financial independence and moving away from home.These patients are therefore at higher risk for poorer clinical disease outcomes.The aim of this paper is to review concepts pertinent to transition of care of young adults with IBD to adult care,and provides resources appropriate for an IBD pediatric to adult transition of care model.

Continuity of Care during Care Transition: Nurses’ Experiences and Challenges

The aim of this study was to gain increased knowledge about nurses’ experiences of care transition of older patients from hospital to municipal health care, based on two research questions: How is nurses’ experience continuity during care transition of older patients from hospital to municipal health care? How would nurses describe an optimal care transition? Nurses have a pivotal role during care transitions of older patients. More knowledge about their experiences is necessary to develop favorable improvements for this important period in the older patient’s treatment and care. The study has a qualitative explorative design with follow-up focus group interviews. Nurses (N = 30) working in hospital (n = 16) and municipal (n = 14) health care were organized in five mixed focus groups during the period October-January 2014/2015. The focus groups met twice, answering the research questions following a previously circulated semi-structured interview guide. The interview analysis was inspired by content analysis. The analysis resulted in the themes “Administrative demands challenge terms for collaboration” and “Essentials for nursing determine optimal care transitions for older patients”. Administrative demands may prevent nurses’ professional dialogue and collaboration across health care levels. Older patients’ best interests should be ensured through a collaborative relationship between hospital and municipal nurses, to form continuous care across health care levels. Clinical practice should be aware of essentials for nursing, which could influence and facilitate a more individualized and continuous transition for older patients.

Transition care in inflammatory bowel disease: A needs assessment survey of Quebec gastroenterologists and allied nurses

To determine the tools needed and problems encountered during the transition of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients from pediatric to adult gastroenterologists (GIs) in Québec, Canada. METHODSWe conducted a needs assessment survey of Quebec health care professionals (HCPs). The survey was handed out to 136 Québec HCPs at a local conference in 2013. Additionally, it was emailed to any other HCPs in Quebec involved in caring for IBD patients. The completed surveys were compiled to derive descriptive data. Further specific subgroup analysis was then conducted. RESULTSAmong the conference attendees and individuals emailed 77 (28.2%) completed the questionnaire. Respondents included adult GIs (61.3%), pediatric GIs (20.8%) and IBD nurses (18.3%). The majority of respondents believed that a standardized structure is important for a successful transition. Adult and pediatric GIs equally felt that patients were inadequately prepared for the transition (P = 0.6). There were significant differences between adult and pediatric GIs when it came to resource availability (55.6% vs 90.9%, P = 0.002) and perceived need of a formal transition clinic (21.7% vs 68.8%, P = 0.0006). Both transition program and medical summaries were identified as the most valuable tools to improve transition. CONCLUSIONAs described in previous studies, our survey reinforces the importance of a transition program, education for young adult IBD patients and the need to improve communication between adult and pediatric GIs.

Pharmacist Integration into Transitions of Care at a Community Hospital： Skilled Nursing Facility Discharges

In 2012-2013, CMH （Community Memorial Hospital） had a 10.5% 30-day readmission rate from SNFs （skilled nursing facilities）. The focus of the Connections of Care Coalition was to review the medication reconciliation process and to involve pharmacists in the transition of patients to SNFs. The objective of the project was to work as an interdisciplinary team to improve the communication during transitions of care from our hospital to local SNFs by identifying key issues and initiating pharmacy practice change. This quality improvement project had a pre-post study design. Patients older than 18 years of age discharged to SNFs and/or readmitted from SNFs within 30 days were included. Baseline data was collected, specific pharmacist interventions were identified, educated on and implemented, and post-implementation data was collected. The number of interventions made and documented by pharmacists for patients being discharged from CMH to local SNFs did not significantly change during this quality improvement study. Clinically significant interventions were made on high risk medications, such as warfarin. Finally, a newly redesigned SNF workflow was implemented to include pharmacy, nursing, social work/case management to improve patient care and safety for discharges to SNFs.

Patient Perceptions and Effects of Single Community Pharmacy Systems： Key Elements for Transitions of Care

The primary objective of the study was to evaluate baseline patient perception on single versus multiple community pharmacy systems. The secondary objective was to determine effects of a pharmacist provided educational intervention on perception of using a single community pharmacy system. This was a prospective survey based study implemented in a single grocery store chain pharmacy and one location of a large retail pharmacy. An anonymous pre-survey was administered to eligible patients. The primary investigator then delivered a brief educational intervention followed by an anonymous post survey. This aimed to determine if there was a change in perception of components assessed in the pre-survey. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics. Subjects reported using approximately 1.5 pharmacies. Major reasons included cost, location, and immunizations. 63% of subjects answered that their pharmacist will not have an accurate medication list when using multiple pharmacies, however, 92% of subjects responded that the pharmacist should be aware of all medications they take. Education on multiple pharmacy use may help protect against its risks. Cognizance of medications filled at other pharmacies and close communication between patients and pharmacists may help foster pharmacist-patient relationships while reducing the risk of multiple pharmacy use.

Family responsibility dynamics for young adults in transition to adult health care

Aim: To explore family responsibility dynamics, metabolic control, clinic attendance, and emergency admissions when young adults (YA) with type 1 diabetes transition to an adult hospital. Method: A longitudinal mixed method design with two study groups (parents, n = 28;YA intervention group, n = 23) and a YA comparison group (n = 20). Sample recruited from an outpatient diabetes centre. Demographic, clinic attendance, emergency admissions, biodata, and the Diabetes Family Responsibility Questionnaire (DFRQ) were completed on entry and sixmonths later as part of an 18-month trial of a diabetes transition coordinator (DTC). The selfreport DFRQ were analyzed using derived parent-child dyadic variables to explore differences at baseline and end of study using Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. The relationship between metabolic control and the DFRQ patterns was explored using Spearman’s rho. Results: On completion of the study, the change in HBA1Cfor both adolescent groups was not significant but was less than ideal for 25% of adolescents in the study. The YA intervention group had significantly fewer missed appointments between them compared to the comparison group. The DFRQ indicated that the derived parent-child dyadic variable of task-discordance increased during the study. Conclusion: The clinically relevant diabetes-task dissonance between parents and young adults offers a challenge and a diagnostic opportunity for diabetes educators.

Acute hospital-community hospital care bundle for elderly orthopedic surgery patients:A propensity score-matched economic analysis

BACKGROUND While Singapore attains good health outcomes,Singapore’s healthcare system is confronted with bed shortages and prolonged stays for elderly people recovering from surgery in acute hospitals.An Acute Hospital-Community Hospital(AHCH)care bundle has been developed to assist patients in postoperative rehabilitation.The core concept is to transfer patients out of AHs when clinically recommended and into CHs,where they can receive more beneficial dedicated care to aid in their recovery,while freeing up bed capacities in AHs.AIM To analyze the AH length of stay(LOS),costs,and savings associated with the AH-CH care bundle intervention initiated and implemented in elderly patients aged 75 years and above undergoing elective orthopedic surgery.METHODS A total of 8621:1 propensity score-matched patients aged 75 years and above who underwent elective orthopedic surgery in Singapore General Hospital(SGH)before(2017-2018)and after(2019-2021)the care bundle intervention period was analyzed.Outcome measures were AH LOS,CH LOS,hospitalization metrics,postoperative 30-d mortality,and modified Barthel Index(MBI)scores.The costs of AH inpatient hospital stay in the matched cohorts were compared using cost data in Singapore dollars.RESULTS Of the 862 matched elderly patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery before and after the care bundle intervention,the age distribution,sex,American Society of Anesthesiologists classification,Charlson Comorbidity Index,and surgical approach were comparable between both groups.Patients transferred to CHs after the surgery had a shorter median AH LOS(7 d vs 9 d,P<0.001).The mean total AH inpatient cost per patient was 14.9%less for the elderly group transferred to CHs(S$24497.3 vs S$28772.8,P<0.001).The overall AH U-turn rates for elderly patients within the care bundle were low,with a 0%mortality rate following orthopedic surgery.When elderly patients were discharged from CHs,their MBI scores increased significantly(50.9 vs 71.9,P<0.001).CONCLUSION The AH-CH care bundle initiated and implemented in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery appears to be effective and cost-saving for SGH.Our results indicate that transitioning care between acute and community hospitals using this care bundle effectively reduces AH LOS in elderly patients receiving orthopedic surgery.Collaboration between acute and community care providers can assist in closing the care delivery gap and enhancing service quality.