Analgesic use patterns among patients with dementia during transitions from hospitals to skilled nursing facilities

Andrea L. Gilmore-Bykovskyi, Laura Block, Melissa Hovanes, Jacquelyn Mirr, Ann Kolanowski

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Gaps in pain management, including discontinuity in analgesic medication prescribing, frequently complicate transitions from hospital to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) for patients with dementia. The objective of the current study was to examine analgesic medication use and prescribing patterns in the last 48 hours of hospitalization and upon discharge to SNF among stroke and hip fracture patients with dementia. Of 318 patients who received an analgesic medication within the last 48 hours of hospitalization, 23% experienced potentially abrupt discontinuations upon discharge. These rates varied by medication, with acetaminophen with codeine (27%), hydromorphone (19%), and acetaminophen with hydrocodone (19%) having the highest rates of potentially abrupt discontinuations. Conversely, 38% of patients experienced potentially abrupt additions of an analgesic medication upon discharge. Findings suggest that changes to analgesic regimens prior to and upon discharge may be common practice, potentially hindering care continuity and pain control during transitions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)61-69
Number of pages9
JournalResearch in Gerontological Nursing
Volume12
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1 2019

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Nursing
  • Gerontology
  • Health Policy
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology

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