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Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to verbalize the financial impact of chronic critical illness syndrome.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to verbalize advanced practice nursing interventions to avoid readmissions in the specialized patient population.
Background: Chronic critical illness syndrome accounts for only 5-10% of critically ill patients but exceeds $20 billion in health care costs. Readmission rates in this patient population can be as high as 40% within the first six months of initial discharge. Typical disease management systems for chronic critical illness have not significantly impacted the number of readmissions to hospitals.
Purpose: To decrease readmissions and streamline the transition of care for patients with chronic critical illness syndrome (CCIS).
Methods: Pilot study with convenience sample of intermediate care unit patients identified as having CCIS enrolled during a three month period from March 2012 to May 2012. Patients were visited daily by the primary investigator while in the acute care setting, and were followed on a weekly basis via telephone by the primary investigator.
Results: The incidence of CCIS was 7.61%. The mean age of patients identified as having CCIS was 53 years of age, range between 20 and 74 years of age. The average length of stay in this population was 43.5 days, range between 19 and 74 days. Readmission rates in patients with as having CCIS was 6.14%, improved from fiscal year 2011. Average cost of care exceeded $250,000.
Conclusions: There is an opportunity for advanced practice nurses with specialized training in the care of CCIS in non-traditional settings to ensure the high quality care is delivered to patients with CCIS.
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