• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Email Us: [email protected]
Home Modification Occupational Therapy Alliance

Home Modification Occupational Therapy Alliance

Occupational therapists that specialize in home modifications and accessible design.

Shop
  • About
  • Home Evaluations
  • Home Modifications
  • Occupational Therapists
    • Lift and ramp evaluation downloads
  • Workers Comp, Auto & Catastrophic Claims
  • Home Owners & Fall Prevention
    • Homeowners
    • Fall Prevention for Older Adults and Caregivers
    • Fall prevention: What to do if you fall
    • Research
    • Fall Prevention for Organizations
    • Fall Prevention for Occupational Therapists
  • Home Mod Metrics for Non-Profits
    • Autism Home Mod Metrics
    • Tribal Elder Program
  • Tips and Tricks
    • Accessible Bathrooms
    • Accessible Bedrooms
    • Accessible Kitchens
    • Ratings/Review of Home Mod. Products ADA
    • Universal Accessible Design
    • Wheelchair Ramps & Lifts

Study Shows Occupational Therapy is the Only Spending Category that Reduces Hospital Readmissions

September 22, 2016 By Karen Koch

9/13/2016
An independent study by health policy researchers published in Medical Care Research and Review (Rogers, Bai, Lavin, & Anderson, 2016) found that “occupational therapy is the only spending category where additional spending has a statistically significant association with lower readmission rates” for the three health conditions studied: heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction.
The authors point out that “occupational therapy places a unique and immediate focus on patients’ functional and social needs, which can be important drivers of readmission if left unaddressed.”
Researchers Andrew Rogers (Johns Hopkins University), Ge Bai (Johns Hopkins), Robert A. Levin (University of Maryland School of Medicine), and Gerard F. Anderson (Johns Hopkins) used Medicare claims and cost data to examine the association between hospital spending for specific services and 30-day admission rates for heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction. They evaluated 19 distinct spending categories (including occupational therapy) in 2,791 hospitals for the heart failure analysis; 2,818 hospitals for the pneumonia analysis; and 1,595 hospitals for the acute myocardial infarction analysis.
The researchers point out that occupational therapy “focuses on a vital issue related to readmission rates—can the patient be discharged safely into her or his environment?” If not, occupational therapists address issues from physical barriers to daily function to support networks. They cite six particular interventions provided by occupational therapists that could lower readmissions:

  1. Provide recommendations and training for caregivers.
  2. Determine whether patients can safely live independently, or require further rehabilitation or nursing care.
  3. Address existing disabilities with assistive devices so patients can safely perform activities of daily living (e.g., using the bathroom, bathing, getting dressed, making a meal).
  4. Perform home safety assessments before discharge to suggest modifications.
  5. Assess cognition and the ability to physically manipulate things like medication containers, and provide training when necessary.
  6. Work with physical therapists to increase the intensity of inpatient rehabilitation.

The researchers identify occupational therapy as “one spending category that affects both the clinical and social determinants of health” and note that “investing in OT has the potential to improve care quality without significantly increasing overall hospital spending.”
“The findings of this important study highlight just one of the many roles occupational therapy practitioners are playing in improving quality and reducing healthcare costs,” said AOTA Executive Director Fred Somers. “Occupational therapy practitioners are proving to be an essential member of any interprofessional team successfully addressing the changing demands of the health care delivery system.”
Rogers, A. T., Bai, G., Lavin, R. A., & Anderson, G. F. (2016, September 2). Higher hospital spending on occupational therapy is associated with lower readmission rates. Medical Care Research and Review, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077558716666981
– See more at: http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/AOTANews/2016/Occupational-Therapy-Reduces-Hospital-Readmissions.aspx#sthash.NCCqShI7.dpuf

  • American Journal of Occupational Therapy
  • OT Practice Magazine
  • SIS Quarterly
  • E-Newsletters
  • News from AOTA
  • AOTA Press
  • Advertise
  • For the Media
  • Copyright Permissions

Health Policy Researchers Find Occupational Therapy is Only Spending Category That Reduces Hospital Readmissions

9/13/2016
An independent study by health policy researchers published in Medical Care Research and Review (Rogers, Bai, Lavin, & Anderson, 2016) found that “occupational therapy is the only spending category where additional spending has a statistically significant association with lower readmission rates” for the three health conditions studied: heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction.
The authors point out that “occupational therapy places a unique and immediate focus on patients’ functional and social needs, which can be important drivers of readmission if left unaddressed.”
Researchers Andrew Rogers (Johns Hopkins University), Ge Bai (Johns Hopkins), Robert A. Levin (University of Maryland School of Medicine), and Gerard F. Anderson (Johns Hopkins) used Medicare claims and cost data to examine the association between hospital spending for specific services and 30-day admission rates for heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction. They evaluated 19 distinct spending categories (including occupational therapy) in 2,791 hospitals for the heart failure analysis; 2,818 hospitals for the pneumonia analysis; and 1,595 hospitals for the acute myocardial infarction analysis.
The researchers point out that occupational therapy “focuses on a vital issue related to readmission rates—can the patient be discharged safely into her or his environment?” If not, occupational therapists address issues from physical barriers to daily function to support networks. They cite six particular interventions provided by occupational therapists that could lower readmissions:

  1. Provide recommendations and training for caregivers.
  2. Determine whether patients can safely live independently, or require further rehabilitation or nursing care.
  3. Address existing disabilities with assistive devices so patients can safely perform activities of daily living (e.g., using the bathroom, bathing, getting dressed, making a meal).
  4. Perform home safety assessments before discharge to suggest modifications.
  5. Assess cognition and the ability to physically manipulate things like medication containers, and provide training when necessary.
  6. Work with physical therapists to increase the intensity of inpatient rehabilitation.

The researchers identify occupational therapy as “one spending category that affects both the clinical and social determinants of health” and note that “investing in OT has the potential to improve care quality without significantly increasing overall hospital spending.”
“The findings of this important study highlight just one of the many roles occupational therapy practitioners are playing in improving quality and reducing healthcare costs,” said AOTA Executive Director Fred Somers. “Occupational therapy practitioners are proving to be an essential member of any interprofessional team successfully addressing the changing demands of the health care delivery system.”
Rogers, A. T., Bai, G., Lavin, R. A., & Anderson, G. F. (2016, September 2). Higher hospital spending on occupational therapy is associated with lower readmission rates. Medical Care Research and Review, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077558716666981

– See more at: http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/AOTANews/2016/Occupational-Therapy-Reduces-Hospital-Readmissions.aspx#sthash.NCCqShI7.dpuf

  • American Journal of Occupational Therapy
  • OT Practice Magazine
  • SIS Quarterly
  • E-Newsletters
  • News from AOTA
  • AOTA Press
  • Advertise
  • For the Media
  • Copyright Permissions

Health Policy Researchers Find Occupational Therapy is Only Spending Category That Reduces Hospital Readmissions

9/13/2016
An independent study by health policy researchers published in Medical Care Research and Review (Rogers, Bai, Lavin, & Anderson, 2016) found that “occupational therapy is the only spending category where additional spending has a statistically significant association with lower readmission rates” for the three health conditions studied: heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction.
The authors point out that “occupational therapy places a unique and immediate focus on patients’ functional and social needs, which can be important drivers of readmission if left unaddressed.”
Researchers Andrew Rogers (Johns Hopkins University), Ge Bai (Johns Hopkins), Robert A. Levin (University of Maryland School of Medicine), and Gerard F. Anderson (Johns Hopkins) used Medicare claims and cost data to examine the association between hospital spending for specific services and 30-day admission rates for heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction. They evaluated 19 distinct spending categories (including occupational therapy) in 2,791 hospitals for the heart failure analysis; 2,818 hospitals for the pneumonia analysis; and 1,595 hospitals for the acute myocardial infarction analysis.
The researchers point out that occupational therapy “focuses on a vital issue related to readmission rates—can the patient be discharged safely into her or his environment?” If not, occupational therapists address issues from physical barriers to daily function to support networks. They cite six particular interventions provided by occupational therapists that could lower readmissions:

  1. Provide recommendations and training for caregivers.
  2. Determine whether patients can safely live independently, or require further rehabilitation or nursing care.
  3. Address existing disabilities with assistive devices so patients can safely perform activities of daily living (e.g., using the bathroom, bathing, getting dressed, making a meal).
  4. Perform home safety assessments before discharge to suggest modifications.
  5. Assess cognition and the ability to physically manipulate things like medication containers, and provide training when necessary.
  6. Work with physical therapists to increase the intensity of inpatient rehabilitation.

The researchers identify occupational therapy as “one spending category that affects both the clinical and social determinants of health” and note that “investing in OT has the potential to improve care quality without significantly increasing overall hospital spending.”
“The findings of this important study highlight just one of the many roles occupational therapy practitioners are playing in improving quality and reducing healthcare costs,” said AOTA Executive Director Fred Somers. “Occupational therapy practitioners are proving to be an essential member of any interprofessional team successfully addressing the changing demands of the health care delivery system.”
Rogers, A. T., Bai, G., Lavin, R. A., & Anderson, G. F. (2016, September 2). Higher hospital spending on occupational therapy is associated with lower readmission rates. Medical Care Research and Review, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077558716666981

– See more at: http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/AOTANews/2016/Occupational-Therapy-Reduces-Hospital-Readmissions.aspx#sthash.NCCqShI7.dpuf

A recent study found that ‘occupational therapy is the only spending category where additional spending has statistically significant association with lower readmission rates’.

The authors point out that ‘occupational therapy places a unique and immediate focus on patients’ functional and social needs, which can be important drivers of readmission if left unaddressed.’

The researchers point out that occupational therapy ‘focuses on a vital issue related to readmission rates-can the patient be discharged safely into her or his environment?’  Occupational therapists address issues from physical barriers to daily function to support networks.  They cite six particular interventions provided by OT’s that lower readmissions:

  • Provide recommendations for caregivers.
  • Determine whether patients can safely live independently, or require further rehabilitation or nursing care.
  • Address existing disabilities with assistive devices so patients can safely perform activities of daily living (e.g. using the bathroom, bathing, getting dressed, making a meal).
  • Perform home safety assessments before discharge to suggest modifications.
  • Assess cognition and the ability to physically manipulate things like medication containers, and provide training when necessary.
  • Work with physical therapists to increase the intensity of inpatient rehabilitation.

For more information click here:  http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/AOTANews/2016/Occupational-Therapy-Reduces-Hospital-Readmissions.aspx

Warmly,

An independent study by health policy researchers published in Medical Care Research and Review (Rogers, Bai, Lavin, & Anderson, 2016) found that “occupational therapy is the only spending category where additional spending has a statistically significant association with lower readmission rates” for the three health conditions studied: heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction.
The authors point out that “occupational therapy places a unique and immediate focus on patients’ functional and social needs, which can be important drivers of readmission if left unaddressed.”
– See more at: http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/AOTANews/2016/Occupational-Therapy-Reduces-Hospital-Readmissions.aspx#sthash.NCCqShI7.dpuf

An independent study by health policy researchers published in Medical Care Research and Review (Rogers, Bai, Lavin, & Anderson, 2016) found that “occupational therapy is the only spending category where additional spending has a statistically significant association with lower readmission rates” for the three health conditions studied: heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction.
The authors point out that “occupational therapy places a unique and immediate focus on patients’ functional and social needs, which can be important drivers of readmission if left unaddressed.”
– See more at: http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/AOTANews/2016/Occupational-Therapy-Reduces-Hospital-Readmissions.aspx#sthash.NCCqShI7.dpuf

An independent study by health policy researchers published in Medical Care Research and Review (Rogers, Bai, Lavin, & Anderson, 2016) found that “occupational therapy is the only spending category where additional spending has a statistically significant association with lower readmission rates” for the three health conditions studied: heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction.
The authors point out that “occupational therapy places a unique and immediate focus on patients’ functional and social needs, which can be important drivers of readmission if left unaddressed.”
– See more at: http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/AOTANews/2016/Occupational-Therapy-Reduces-Hospital-Readmissions.aspx#sthash.NCCqShI7.dpuf

An independent study by health policy researchers published in Medical Care Research and Review (Rogers, Bai, Lavin, & Anderson, 2016) found that “occupational therapy is the only spending category where additional spending has a statistically significant association with lower readmission rates” for the three health conditions studied: heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction.
The authors point out that “occupational therapy places a unique and immediate focus on patients’ functional and social needs, which can be important drivers of readmission if left unaddressed.”
– See more at: http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/AOTANews/2016/Occupational-Therapy-Reduces-Hospital-Readmissions.aspx#sthash.NCCqShI7.dpuf

An independent study by health policy researchers published in Medical Care Research and Review (Rogers, Bai, Lavin, & Anderson, 2016) found that “occupational therapy is the only spending category where additional spending has a statistically significant association with lower readmission rates” for the three health conditions studied: heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction.
The authors point out that “occupational therapy places a unique and immediate focus on patients’ functional and social needs, which can be important drivers of readmission if left unaddressed.”
– See more at: http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/AOTANews/2016/Occupational-Therapy-Reduces-Hospital-Readmissions.aspx#sthash.NCCqShI7.dpuf
An independent study by health policy researchers published in Medical Care Research and Review (Rogers, Bai, Lavin, & Anderson, 2016) found that “occupational therapy is the only spending category where additional spending has a statistically significant association with lower readmission rates” for the three health conditions studied: heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction.
The authors point out that “occupational therapy places a unique and immediate focus on patients’ functional and social needs, which can be important drivers of readmission if left unaddressed.”
– See more at: http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/AOTANews/2016/Occupational-Therapy-Reduces-Hospital-Readmissions.aspx#sthash.NCCqShI7.dpuf

9/13/2016
An independent study by health policy researchers published in Medical Care Research and Review (Rogers, Bai, Lavin, & Anderson, 2016) found that “occupational therapy is the only spending category where additional spending has a statistically significant association with lower readmission rates” for the three health conditions studied: heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction.
The authors point out that “occupational therapy places a unique and immediate focus on patients’ functional and social needs, which can be important drivers of readmission if left unaddressed.”
Researchers Andrew Rogers (Johns Hopkins University), Ge Bai (Johns Hopkins), Robert A. Levin (University of Maryland School of Medicine), and Gerard F. Anderson (Johns Hopkins) used Medicare claims and cost data to examine the association between hospital spending for specific services and 30-day admission rates for heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction. They evaluated 19 distinct spending categories (including occupational therapy) in 2,791 hospitals for the heart failure analysis; 2,818 hospitals for the pneumonia analysis; and 1,595 hospitals for the acute myocardial infarction analysis.
The researchers point out that occupational therapy “focuses on a vital issue related to readmission rates—can the patient be discharged safely into her or his environment?” If not, occupational therapists address issues from physical barriers to daily function to support networks. They cite six particular interventions provided by occupational therapists that could lower readmissions:

  1. Provide recommendations and training for caregivers.
  2. Determine whether patients can safely live independently, or require further rehabilitation or nursing care.
  3. Address existing disabilities with assistive devices so patients can safely perform activities of daily living (e.g., using the bathroom, bathing, getting dressed, making a meal).
  4. Perform home safety assessments before discharge to suggest modifications.
  5. Assess cognition and the ability to physically manipulate things like medication containers, and provide training when necessary.
  6. Work with physical therapists to increase the intensity of inpatient rehabilitation.

The researchers identify occupational therapy as “one spending category that affects both the clinical and social determinants of health” and note that “investing in OT has the potential to improve care quality without significantly increasing overall hospital spending.”
“The findings of this important study highlight just one of the many roles occupational therapy practitioners are playing in improving quality and reducing healthcare costs,” said AOTA Executive Director Fred Somers. “Occupational therapy practitioners are proving to be an essential member of any interprofessional team successfully addressing the changing demands of the health care delivery system.”
Rogers, A. T., Bai, G., Lavin, R. A., & Anderson, G. F. (2016, September 2). Higher hospital spending on occupational therapy is associated with lower readmission rates. Medical Care Research and Review, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077558716666981

– See more at: http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/AOTANews/2016/Occupational-Therapy-Reduces-Hospital-Readmissions.aspx#sthash.NCCqShI7.dpuf

9/13/2016
An independent study by health policy researchers published in Medical Care Research and Review (Rogers, Bai, Lavin, & Anderson, 2016) found that “occupational therapy is the only spending category where additional spending has a statistically significant association with lower readmission rates” for the three health conditions studied: heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction.
The authors point out that “occupational therapy places a unique and immediate focus on patients’ functional and social needs, which can be important drivers of readmission if left unaddressed.”
Researchers Andrew Rogers (Johns Hopkins University), Ge Bai (Johns Hopkins), Robert A. Levin (University of Maryland School of Medicine), and Gerard F. Anderson (Johns Hopkins) used Medicare claims and cost data to examine the association between hospital spending for specific services and 30-day admission rates for heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction. They evaluated 19 distinct spending categories (including occupational therapy) in 2,791 hospitals for the heart failure analysis; 2,818 hospitals for the pneumonia analysis; and 1,595 hospitals for the acute myocardial infarction analysis.
The researchers point out that occupational therapy “focuses on a vital issue related to readmission rates—can the patient be discharged safely into her or his environment?” If not, occupational therapists address issues from physical barriers to daily function to support networks. They cite six particular interventions provided by occupational therapists that could lower readmissions:

  1. Provide recommendations and training for caregivers.
  2. Determine whether patients can safely live independently, or require further rehabilitation or nursing care.
  3. Address existing disabilities with assistive devices so patients can safely perform activities of daily living (e.g., using the bathroom, bathing, getting dressed, making a meal).
  4. Perform home safety assessments before discharge to suggest modifications.
  5. Assess cognition and the ability to physically manipulate things like medication containers, and provide training when necessary.
  6. Work with physical therapists to increase the intensity of inpatient rehabilitation.

The researchers identify occupational therapy as “one spending category that affects both the clinical and social determinants of health” and note that “investing in OT has the potential to improve care quality without significantly increasing overall hospital spending.”
“The findings of this important study highlight just one of the many roles occupational therapy practitioners are playing in improving quality and reducing healthcare costs,” said AOTA Executive Director Fred Somers. “Occupational therapy practitioners are proving to be an essential member of any interprofessional team successfully addressing the changing demands of the health care delivery system.”
Rogers, A. T., Bai, G., Lavin, R. A., & Anderson, G. F. (2016, September 2). Higher hospital spending on occupational therapy is associated with lower readmission rates. Medical Care Research and Review, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077558716666981

– See more at: http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/AOTANews/2016/Occupational-Therapy-Reduces-Hospital-Readmissions.aspx#sthash.NCCqShI7.dpuf

9/13/2016
An independent study by health policy researchers published in Medical Care Research and Review (Rogers, Bai, Lavin, & Anderson, 2016) found that “occupational therapy is the only spending category where additional spending has a statistically significant association with lower readmission rates” for the three health conditions studied: heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction.
The authors point out that “occupational therapy places a unique and immediate focus on patients’ functional and social needs, which can be important drivers of readmission if left unaddressed.”
Researchers Andrew Rogers (Johns Hopkins University), Ge Bai (Johns Hopkins), Robert A. Levin (University of Maryland School of Medicine), and Gerard F. Anderson (Johns Hopkins) used Medicare claims and cost data to examine the association between hospital spending for specific services and 30-day admission rates for heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction. They evaluated 19 distinct spending categories (including occupational therapy) in 2,791 hospitals for the heart failure analysis; 2,818 hospitals for the pneumonia analysis; and 1,595 hospitals for the acute myocardial infarction analysis.
The researchers point out that occupational therapy “focuses on a vital issue related to readmission rates—can the patient be discharged safely into her or his environment?” If not, occupational therapists address issues from physical barriers to daily function to support networks. They cite six particular interventions provided by occupational therapists that could lower readmissions:

  1. Provide recommendations and training for caregivers.
  2. Determine whether patients can safely live independently, or require further rehabilitation or nursing care.
  3. Address existing disabilities with assistive devices so patients can safely perform activities of daily living (e.g., using the bathroom, bathing, getting dressed, making a meal).
  4. Perform home safety assessments before discharge to suggest modifications.
  5. Assess cognition and the ability to physically manipulate things like medication containers, and provide training when necessary.
  6. Work with physical therapists to increase the intensity of inpatient rehabilitation.

The researchers identify occupational therapy as “one spending category that affects both the clinical and social determinants of health” and note that “investing in OT has the potential to improve care quality without significantly increasing overall hospital spending.”
“The findings of this important study highlight just one of the many roles occupational therapy practitioners are playing in improving quality and reducing healthcare costs,” said AOTA Executive Director Fred Somers. “Occupational therapy practitioners are proving to be an essential member of any interprofessional team successfully addressing the changing demands of the health care delivery system.”
Rogers, A. T., Bai, G., Lavin, R. A., & Anderson, G. F. (2016, September 2). Higher hospital spending on occupational therapy is associated with lower readmission rates. Medical Care Research and Review, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077558716666981
– See more at: http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/AOTANews/2016/Occupational-Therapy-Reduces-Hospital-Readmissions.aspx#sthash.NCCqShI7.dpuf

9/13/2016
An independent study by health policy researchers published in Medical Care Research and Review (Rogers, Bai, Lavin, & Anderson, 2016) found that “occupational therapy is the only spending category where additional spending has a statistically significant association with lower readmission rates” for the three health conditions studied: heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction.
The authors point out that “occupational therapy places a unique and immediate focus on patients’ functional and social needs, which can be important drivers of readmission if left unaddressed.”
Researchers Andrew Rogers (Johns Hopkins University), Ge Bai (Johns Hopkins), Robert A. Levin (University of Maryland School of Medicine), and Gerard F. Anderson (Johns Hopkins) used Medicare claims and cost data to examine the association between hospital spending for specific services and 30-day admission rates for heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction. They evaluated 19 distinct spending categories (including occupational therapy) in 2,791 hospitals for the heart failure analysis; 2,818 hospitals for the pneumonia analysis; and 1,595 hospitals for the acute myocardial infarction analysis.
The researchers point out that occupational therapy “focuses on a vital issue related to readmission rates—can the patient be discharged safely into her or his environment?” If not, occupational therapists address issues from physical barriers to daily function to support networks. They cite six particular interventions provided by occupational therapists that could lower readmissions:

  1. Provide recommendations and training for caregivers.
  2. Determine whether patients can safely live independently, or require further rehabilitation or nursing care.
  3. Address existing disabilities with assistive devices so patients can safely perform activities of daily living (e.g., using the bathroom, bathing, getting dressed, making a meal).
  4. Perform home safety assessments before discharge to suggest modifications.
  5. Assess cognition and the ability to physically manipulate things like medication containers, and provide training when necessary.
  6. Work with physical therapists to increase the intensity of inpatient rehabilitation.

The researchers identify occupational therapy as “one spending category that affects both the clinical and social determinants of health” and note that “investing in OT has the potential to improve care quality without significantly increasing overall hospital spending.”
“The findings of this important study highlight just one of the many roles occupational therapy practitioners are playing in improving quality and reducing healthcare costs,” said AOTA Executive Director Fred Somers. “Occupational therapy practitioners are proving to be an essential member of any interprofessional team successfully addressing the changing demands of the health care delivery system.”
Rogers, A. T., Bai, G., Lavin, R. A., & Anderson, G. F. (2016, September 2). Higher hospital spending on occupational therapy is associated with lower readmission rates. Medical Care Research and Review, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077558716666981
– See more at: http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/AOTANews/2016/Occupational-Therapy-Reduces-Hospital-Readmissions.aspx#sthash.NCCqShI7.dpuf

9/13/2016
An independent study by health policy researchers published in Medical Care Research and Review (Rogers, Bai, Lavin, & Anderson, 2016) found that “occupational therapy is the only spending category where additional spending has a statistically significant association with lower readmission rates” for the three health conditions studied: heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction.
The authors point out that “occupational therapy places a unique and immediate focus on patients’ functional and social needs, which can be important drivers of readmission if left unaddressed.”
Researchers Andrew Rogers (Johns Hopkins University), Ge Bai (Johns Hopkins), Robert A. Levin (University of Maryland School of Medicine), and Gerard F. Anderson (Johns Hopkins) used Medicare claims and cost data to examine the association between hospital spending for specific services and 30-day admission rates for heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction. They evaluated 19 distinct spending categories (including occupational therapy) in 2,791 hospitals for the heart failure analysis; 2,818 hospitals for the pneumonia analysis; and 1,595 hospitals for the acute myocardial infarction analysis.
The researchers point out that occupational therapy “focuses on a vital issue related to readmission rates—can the patient be discharged safely into her or his environment?” If not, occupational therapists address issues from physical barriers to daily function to support networks. They cite six particular interventions provided by occupational therapists that could lower readmissions:

  1. Provide recommendations and training for caregivers.
  2. Determine whether patients can safely live independently, or require further rehabilitation or nursing care.
  3. Address existing disabilities with assistive devices so patients can safely perform activities of daily living (e.g., using the bathroom, bathing, getting dressed, making a meal).
  4. Perform home safety assessments before discharge to suggest modifications.
  5. Assess cognition and the ability to physically manipulate things like medication containers, and provide training when necessary.
  6. Work with physical therapists to increase the intensity of inpatient rehabilitation.

The researchers identify occupational therapy as “one spending category that affects both the clinical and social determinants of health” and note that “investing in OT has the potential to improve care quality without significantly increasing overall hospital spending.”
“The findings of this important study highlight just one of the many roles occupational therapy practitioners are playing in improving quality and reducing healthcare costs,” said AOTA Executive Director Fred Somers. “Occupational therapy practitioners are proving to be an essential member of any interprofessional team successfully addressing the changing demands of the health care delivery system.”
Rogers, A. T., Bai, G., Lavin, R. A., & Anderson, G. F. (2016, September 2). Higher hospital spending on occupational therapy is associated with lower readmission rates. Medical Care Research and Review, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077558716666981
– See more at: http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/AOTANews/2016/Occupational-Therapy-Reduces-Hospital-Readmissions.aspx#sthash.NCCqShI7.dpuf

9/13/2016
An independent study by health policy researchers published in Medical Care Research and Review (Rogers, Bai, Lavin, & Anderson, 2016) found that “occupational therapy is the only spending category where additional spending has a statistically significant association with lower readmission rates” for the three health conditions studied: heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction.
The authors point out that “occupational therapy places a unique and immediate focus on patients’ functional and social needs, which can be important drivers of readmission if left unaddressed.”
Researchers Andrew Rogers (Johns Hopkins University), Ge Bai (Johns Hopkins), Robert A. Levin (University of Maryland School of Medicine), and Gerard F. Anderson (Johns Hopkins) used Medicare claims and cost data to examine the association between hospital spending for specific services and 30-day admission rates for heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction. They evaluated 19 distinct spending categories (including occupational therapy) in 2,791 hospitals for the heart failure analysis; 2,818 hospitals for the pneumonia analysis; and 1,595 hospitals for the acute myocardial infarction analysis.
The researchers point out that occupational therapy “focuses on a vital issue related to readmission rates—can the patient be discharged safely into her or his environment?” If not, occupational therapists address issues from physical barriers to daily function to support networks. They cite six particular interventions provided by occupational therapists that could lower readmissions:

  1. Provide recommendations and training for caregivers.
  2. Determine whether patients can safely live independently, or require further rehabilitation or nursing care.
  3. Address existing disabilities with assistive devices so patients can safely perform activities of daily living (e.g., using the bathroom, bathing, getting dressed, making a meal).
  4. Perform home safety assessments before discharge to suggest modifications.
  5. Assess cognition and the ability to physically manipulate things like medication containers, and provide training when necessary.
  6. Work with physical therapists to increase the intensity of inpatient rehabilitation.

The researchers identify occupational therapy as “one spending category that affects both the clinical and social determinants of health” and note that “investing in OT has the potential to improve care quality without significantly increasing overall hospital spending.”
“The findings of this important study highlight just one of the many roles occupational therapy practitioners are playing in improving quality and reducing healthcare costs,” said AOTA Executive Director Fred Somers. “Occupational therapy practitioners are proving to be an essential member of any interprofessional team successfully addressing the changing demands of the health care delivery system.”
Rogers, A. T., Bai, G., Lavin, R. A., & Anderson, G. F. (2016, September 2). Higher hospital spending on occupational therapy is associated with lower readmission rates. Medical Care Research and Review, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077558716666981
– See more at: http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/AOTANews/2016/Occupational-Therapy-Reduces-Hospital-Readmissions.aspx#sthash.NCCqShI7.dpuf

9/13/2016
An independent study by health policy researchers published in Medical Care Research and Review (Rogers, Bai, Lavin, & Anderson, 2016) found that “occupational therapy is the only spending category where additional spending has a statistically significant association with lower readmission rates” for the three health conditions studied: heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction.
The authors point out that “occupational therapy places a unique and immediate focus on patients’ functional and social needs, which can be important drivers of readmission if left unaddressed.”
Researchers Andrew Rogers (Johns Hopkins University), Ge Bai (Johns Hopkins), Robert A. Levin (University of Maryland School of Medicine), and Gerard F. Anderson (Johns Hopkins) used Medicare claims and cost data to examine the association between hospital spending for specific services and 30-day admission rates for heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction. They evaluated 19 distinct spending categories (including occupational therapy) in 2,791 hospitals for the heart failure analysis; 2,818 hospitals for the pneumonia analysis; and 1,595 hospitals for the acute myocardial infarction analysis.
The researchers point out that occupational therapy “focuses on a vital issue related to readmission rates—can the patient be discharged safely into her or his environment?” If not, occupational therapists address issues from physical barriers to daily function to support networks. They cite six particular interventions provided by occupational therapists that could lower readmissions:

  1. Provide recommendations and training for caregivers.
  2. Determine whether patients can safely live independently, or require further rehabilitation or nursing care.
  3. Address existing disabilities with assistive devices so patients can safely perform activities of daily living (e.g., using the bathroom, bathing, getting dressed, making a meal).
  4. Perform home safety assessments before discharge to suggest modifications.
  5. Assess cognition and the ability to physically manipulate things like medication containers, and provide training when necessary.
  6. Work with physical therapists to increase the intensity of inpatient rehabilitation.

The researchers identify occupational therapy as “one spending category that affects both the clinical and social determinants of health” and note that “investing in OT has the potential to improve care quality without significantly increasing overall hospital spending.”
“The findings of this important study highlight just one of the many roles occupational therapy practitioners are playing in improving quality and reducing healthcare costs,” said AOTA Executive Director Fred Somers. “Occupational therapy practitioners are proving to be an essential member of any interprofessional team successfully addressing the changing demands of the health care delivery system.”
Rogers, A. T., Bai, G., Lavin, R. A., & Anderson, G. F. (2016, September 2). Higher hospital spending on occupational therapy is associated with lower readmission rates. Medical Care Research and Review, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077558716666981
– See more at: http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/AOTANews/2016/Occupational-Therapy-Reduces-Hospital-Readmissions.aspx#sthash.NCCqShI7.dpuf

9/13/2016
An independent study by health policy researchers published in Medical Care Research and Review (Rogers, Bai, Lavin, & Anderson, 2016) found that “occupational therapy is the only spending category where additional spending has a statistically significant association with lower readmission rates” for the three health conditions studied: heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction.
The authors point out that “occupational therapy places a unique and immediate focus on patients’ functional and social needs, which can be important drivers of readmission if left unaddressed.”
Researchers Andrew Rogers (Johns Hopkins University), Ge Bai (Johns Hopkins), Robert A. Levin (University of Maryland School of Medicine), and Gerard F. Anderson (Johns Hopkins) used Medicare claims and cost data to examine the association between hospital spending for specific services and 30-day admission rates for heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction. They evaluated 19 distinct spending categories (including occupational therapy) in 2,791 hospitals for the heart failure analysis; 2,818 hospitals for the pneumonia analysis; and 1,595 hospitals for the acute myocardial infarction analysis.
The researchers point out that occupational therapy “focuses on a vital issue related to readmission rates—can the patient be discharged safely into her or his environment?” If not, occupational therapists address issues from physical barriers to daily function to support networks. They cite six particular interventions provided by occupational therapists that could lower readmissions:

  1. Provide recommendations and training for caregivers.
  2. Determine whether patients can safely live independently, or require further rehabilitation or nursing care.
  3. Address existing disabilities with assistive devices so patients can safely perform activities of daily living (e.g., using the bathroom, bathing, getting dressed, making a meal).
  4. Perform home safety assessments before discharge to suggest modifications.
  5. Assess cognition and the ability to physically manipulate things like medication containers, and provide training when necessary.
  6. Work with physical therapists to increase the intensity of inpatient rehabilitation.

The researchers identify occupational therapy as “one spending category that affects both the clinical and social determinants of health” and note that “investing in OT has the potential to improve care quality without significantly increasing overall hospital spending.”
“The findings of this important study highlight just one of the many roles occupational therapy practitioners are playing in improving quality and reducing healthcare costs,” said AOTA Executive Director Fred Somers. “Occupational therapy practitioners are proving to be an essential member of any interprofessional team successfully addressing the changing demands of the health care delivery system.”
Rogers, A. T., Bai, G., Lavin, R. A., & Anderson, G. F. (2016, September 2). Higher hospital spending on occupational therapy is associated with lower readmission rates. Medical Care Research and Review, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077558716666981
– See more at: http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/AOTANews/2016/Occupational-Therapy-Reduces-Hospital-Readmissions.aspx#sthash.NCCqShI7.dpuf

9/13/2016
An independent study by health policy researchers published in Medical Care Research and Review (Rogers, Bai, Lavin, & Anderson, 2016) found that “occupational therapy is the only spending category where additional spending has a statistically significant association with lower readmission rates” for the three health conditions studied: heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction.
The authors point out that “occupational therapy places a unique and immediate focus on patients’ functional and social needs, which can be important drivers of readmission if left unaddressed.”
Researchers Andrew Rogers (Johns Hopkins University), Ge Bai (Johns Hopkins), Robert A. Levin (University of Maryland School of Medicine), and Gerard F. Anderson (Johns Hopkins) used Medicare claims and cost data to examine the association between hospital spending for specific services and 30-day admission rates for heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction. They evaluated 19 distinct spending categories (including occupational therapy) in 2,791 hospitals for the heart failure analysis; 2,818 hospitals for the pneumonia analysis; and 1,595 hospitals for the acute myocardial infarction analysis.
The researchers point out that occupational therapy “focuses on a vital issue related to readmission rates—can the patient be discharged safely into her or his environment?” If not, occupational therapists address issues from physical barriers to daily function to support networks. They cite six particular interventions provided by occupational therapists that could lower readmissions:

  1. Provide recommendations and training for caregivers.
  2. Determine whether patients can safely live independently, or require further rehabilitation or nursing care.
  3. Address existing disabilities with assistive devices so patients can safely perform activities of daily living (e.g., using the bathroom, bathing, getting dressed, making a meal).
  4. Perform home safety assessments before discharge to suggest modifications.
  5. Assess cognition and the ability to physically manipulate things like medication containers, and provide training when necessary.
  6. Work with physical therapists to increase the intensity of inpatient rehabilitation.

The researchers identify occupational therapy as “one spending category that affects both the clinical and social determinants of health” and note that “investing in OT has the potential to improve care quality without significantly increasing overall hospital spending.”
“The findings of this important study highlight just one of the many roles occupational therapy practitioners are playing in improving quality and reducing healthcare costs,” said AOTA Executive Director Fred Somers. “Occupational therapy practitioners are proving to be an essential member of any interprofessional team successfully addressing the changing demands of the health care delivery system.”
Rogers, A. T., Bai, G., Lavin, R. A., & Anderson, G. F. (2016, September 2). Higher hospital spending on occupational therapy is associated with lower readmission rates. Medical Care Research and Review, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077558716666981
– See more at: http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/AOTANews/2016/Occupational-Therapy-Reduces-Hospital-Readmissions.aspx#sthash.NCCqShI7.dpuf

9/13/2016
An independent study by health policy researchers published in Medical Care Research and Review (Rogers, Bai, Lavin, & Anderson, 2016) found that “occupational therapy is the only spending category where additional spending has a statistically significant association with lower readmission rates” for the three health conditions studied: heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction.
The authors point out that “occupational therapy places a unique and immediate focus on patients’ functional and social needs, which can be important drivers of readmission if left unaddressed.”
Researchers Andrew Rogers (Johns Hopkins University), Ge Bai (Johns Hopkins), Robert A. Levin (University of Maryland School of Medicine), and Gerard F. Anderson (Johns Hopkins) used Medicare claims and cost data to examine the association between hospital spending for specific services and 30-day admission rates for heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction. They evaluated 19 distinct spending categories (including occupational therapy) in 2,791 hospitals for the heart failure analysis; 2,818 hospitals for the pneumonia analysis; and 1,595 hospitals for the acute myocardial infarction analysis.
The researchers point out that occupational therapy “focuses on a vital issue related to readmission rates—can the patient be discharged safely into her or his environment?” If not, occupational therapists address issues from physical barriers to daily function to support networks. They cite six particular interventions provided by occupational therapists that could lower readmissions:

  1. Provide recommendations and training for caregivers.
  2. Determine whether patients can safely live independently, or require further rehabilitation or nursing care.
  3. Address existing disabilities with assistive devices so patients can safely perform activities of daily living (e.g., using the bathroom, bathing, getting dressed, making a meal).
  4. Perform home safety assessments before discharge to suggest modifications.
  5. Assess cognition and the ability to physically manipulate things like medication containers, and provide training when necessary.
  6. Work with physical therapists to increase the intensity of inpatient rehabilitation.

The researchers identify occupational therapy as “one spending category that affects both the clinical and social determinants of health” and note that “investing in OT has the potential to improve care quality without significantly increasing overall hospital spending.”
“The findings of this important study highlight just one of the many roles occupational therapy practitioners are playing in improving quality and reducing healthcare costs,” said AOTA Executive Director Fred Somers. “Occupational therapy practitioners are proving to be an essential member of any interprofessional team successfully addressing the changing demands of the health care delivery system.”
Rogers, A. T., Bai, G., Lavin, R. A., & Anderson, G. F. (2016, September 2). Higher hospital spending on occupational therapy is associated with lower readmission rates. Medical Care Research and Review, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077558716666981
– See more at: http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/AOTANews/2016/Occupational-Therapy-Reduces-Hospital-Readmissions.aspx#sthash.NCCqShI7.dpuf

9/13/2016
An independent study by health policy researchers published in Medical Care Research and Review (Rogers, Bai, Lavin, & Anderson, 2016) found that “occupational therapy is the only spending category where additional spending has a statistically significant association with lower readmission rates” for the three health conditions studied: heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction.
The authors point out that “occupational therapy places a unique and immediate focus on patients’ functional and social needs, which can be important drivers of readmission if left unaddressed.”
Researchers Andrew Rogers (Johns Hopkins University), Ge Bai (Johns Hopkins), Robert A. Levin (University of Maryland School of Medicine), and Gerard F. Anderson (Johns Hopkins) used Medicare claims and cost data to examine the association between hospital spending for specific services and 30-day admission rates for heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction. They evaluated 19 distinct spending categories (including occupational therapy) in 2,791 hospitals for the heart failure analysis; 2,818 hospitals for the pneumonia analysis; and 1,595 hospitals for the acute myocardial infarction analysis.
The researchers point out that occupational therapy “focuses on a vital issue related to readmission rates—can the patient be discharged safely into her or his environment?” If not, occupational therapists address issues from physical barriers to daily function to support networks. They cite six particular interventions provided by occupational therapists that could lower readmissions:

  1. Provide recommendations and training for caregivers.
  2. Determine whether patients can safely live independently, or require further rehabilitation or nursing care.
  3. Address existing disabilities with assistive devices so patients can safely perform activities of daily living (e.g., using the bathroom, bathing, getting dressed, making a meal).
  4. Perform home safety assessments before discharge to suggest modifications.
  5. Assess cognition and the ability to physically manipulate things like medication containers, and provide training when necessary.
  6. Work with physical therapists to increase the intensity of inpatient rehabilitation.

The researchers identify occupational therapy as “one spending category that affects both the clinical and social determinants of health” and note that “investing in OT has the potential to improve care quality without significantly increasing overall hospital spending.”
“The findings of this important study highlight just one of the many roles occupational therapy practitioners are playing in improving quality and reducing healthcare costs,” said AOTA Executive Director Fred Somers. “Occupational therapy practitioners are proving to be an essential member of any interprofessional team successfully addressing the changing demands of the health care delivery system.”
Rogers, A. T., Bai, G., Lavin, R. A., & Anderson, G. F. (2016, September 2). Higher hospital spending on occupational therapy is associated with lower readmission rates. Medical Care Research and Review, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077558716666981
– See more at: http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/AOTANews/2016/Occupational-Therapy-Reduces-Hospital-Readmissions.aspx#sthash.NCCqShI7.dpuf

  • American Journal of Occupational Therapy
  • OT Practice Magazine
  • SIS Quarterly
  • E-Newsletters
  • News from AOTA
  • AOTA Press
  • Advertise
  • For the Media
  • Copyright Permissions

Health Policy Researchers Find Occupational Therapy is Only Spending Category That Reduces Hospital Readmissions

9/13/2016
An independent study by health policy researchers published in Medical Care Research and Review (Rogers, Bai, Lavin, & Anderson, 2016) found that “occupational therapy is the only spending category where additional spending has a statistically significant association with lower readmission rates” for the three health conditions studied: heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction.
The authors point out that “occupational therapy places a unique and immediate focus on patients’ functional and social needs, which can be important drivers of readmission if left unaddressed.”
Researchers Andrew Rogers (Johns Hopkins University), Ge Bai (Johns Hopkins), Robert A. Levin (University of Maryland School of Medicine), and Gerard F. Anderson (Johns Hopkins) used Medicare claims and cost data to examine the association between hospital spending for specific services and 30-day admission rates for heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction. They evaluated 19 distinct spending categories (including occupational therapy) in 2,791 hospitals for the heart failure analysis; 2,818 hospitals for the pneumonia analysis; and 1,595 hospitals for the acute myocardial infarction analysis.
The researchers point out that occupational therapy “focuses on a vital issue related to readmission rates—can the patient be discharged safely into her or his environment?” If not, occupational therapists address issues from physical barriers to daily function to support networks. They cite six particular interventions provided by occupational therapists that could lower readmissions:

  1. Provide recommendations and training for caregivers.
  2. Determine whether patients can safely live independently, or require further rehabilitation or nursing care.
  3. Address existing disabilities with assistive devices so patients can safely perform activities of daily living (e.g., using the bathroom, bathing, getting dressed, making a meal).
  4. Perform home safety assessments before discharge to suggest modifications.
  5. Assess cognition and the ability to physically manipulate things like medication containers, and provide training when necessary.
  6. Work with physical therapists to increase the intensity of inpatient rehabilitation.

The researchers identify occupational therapy as “one spending category that affects both the clinical and social determinants of health” and note that “investing in OT has the potential to improve care quality without significantly increasing overall hospital spending.”
“The findings of this important study highlight just one of the many roles occupational therapy practitioners are playing in improving quality and reducing healthcare costs,” said AOTA Executive Director Fred Somers. “Occupational therapy practitioners are proving to be an essential member of any interprofessional team successfully addressing the changing demands of the health care delivery system.”
Rogers, A. T., Bai, G., Lavin, R. A., & Anderson, G. F. (2016, September 2). Higher hospital spending on occupational therapy is associated with lower readmission rates. Medical Care Research and Review, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077558716666981

– See more at: http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/AOTANews/2016/Occupational-Therapy-Reduces-Hospital-Readmissions.aspx#sthash.NCCqShI7.dpuf

  • American Journal of Occupational Therapy
  • OT Practice Magazine
  • SIS Quarterly
  • E-Newsletters
  • News from AOTA
  • AOTA Press
  • Advertise
  • For the Media
  • Copyright Permissions

Health Policy Researchers Find Occupational Therapy is Only Spending Category That Reduces Hospital Readmissions

9/13/2016
An independent study by health policy researchers published in Medical Care Research and Review (Rogers, Bai, Lavin, & Anderson, 2016) found that “occupational therapy is the only spending category where additional spending has a statistically significant association with lower readmission rates” for the three health conditions studied: heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction.
The authors point out that “occupational therapy places a unique and immediate focus on patients’ functional and social needs, which can be important drivers of readmission if left unaddressed.”
Researchers Andrew Rogers (Johns Hopkins University), Ge Bai (Johns Hopkins), Robert A. Levin (University of Maryland School of Medicine), and Gerard F. Anderson (Johns Hopkins) used Medicare claims and cost data to examine the association between hospital spending for specific services and 30-day admission rates for heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction. They evaluated 19 distinct spending categories (including occupational therapy) in 2,791 hospitals for the heart failure analysis; 2,818 hospitals for the pneumonia analysis; and 1,595 hospitals for the acute myocardial infarction analysis.
The researchers point out that occupational therapy “focuses on a vital issue related to readmission rates—can the patient be discharged safely into her or his environment?” If not, occupational therapists address issues from physical barriers to daily function to support networks. They cite six particular interventions provided by occupational therapists that could lower readmissions:

  1. Provide recommendations and training for caregivers.
  2. Determine whether patients can safely live independently, or require further rehabilitation or nursing care.
  3. Address existing disabilities with assistive devices so patients can safely perform activities of daily living (e.g., using the bathroom, bathing, getting dressed, making a meal).
  4. Perform home safety assessments before discharge to suggest modifications.
  5. Assess cognition and the ability to physically manipulate things like medication containers, and provide training when necessary.
  6. Work with physical therapists to increase the intensity of inpatient rehabilitation.

The researchers identify occupational therapy as “one spending category that affects both the clinical and social determinants of health” and note that “investing in OT has the potential to improve care quality without significantly increasing overall hospital spending.”
“The findings of this important study highlight just one of the many roles occupational therapy practitioners are playing in improving quality and reducing healthcare costs,” said AOTA Executive Director Fred Somers. “Occupational therapy practitioners are proving to be an essential member of any interprofessional team successfully addressing the changing demands of the health care delivery system.”
Rogers, A. T., Bai, G., Lavin, R. A., & Anderson, G. F. (2016, September 2). Higher hospital spending on occupational therapy is associated with lower readmission rates. Medical Care Research and Review, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077558716666981

– See more at: http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/AOTANews/2016/Occupational-Therapy-Reduces-Hospital-Readmissions.aspx#sthash.NCCqShI7.dpuf

  • American Journal of Occupational Therapy
  • OT Practice Magazine
  • SIS Quarterly
  • E-Newsletters
  • News from AOTA
  • AOTA Press
  • Advertise
  • For the Media
  • Copyright Permissions

Health Policy Researchers Find Occupational Therapy is Only Spending Category That Reduces Hospital Readmissions

9/13/2016
An independent study by health policy researchers published in Medical Care Research and Review (Rogers, Bai, Lavin, & Anderson, 2016) found that “occupational therapy is the only spending category where additional spending has a statistically significant association with lower readmission rates” for the three health conditions studied: heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction.
The authors point out that “occupational therapy places a unique and immediate focus on patients’ functional and social needs, which can be important drivers of readmission if left unaddressed.”
Researchers Andrew Rogers (Johns Hopkins University), Ge Bai (Johns Hopkins), Robert A. Levin (University of Maryland School of Medicine), and Gerard F. Anderson (Johns Hopkins) used Medicare claims and cost data to examine the association between hospital spending for specific services and 30-day admission rates for heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial infarction. They evaluated 19 distinct spending categories (including occupational therapy) in 2,791 hospitals for the heart failure analysis; 2,818 hospitals for the pneumonia analysis; and 1,595 hospitals for the acute myocardial infarction analysis.
The researchers point out that occupational therapy “focuses on a vital issue related to readmission rates—can the patient be discharged safely into her or his environment?” If not, occupational therapists address issues from physical barriers to daily function to support networks. They cite six particular interventions provided by occupational therapists that could lower readmissions:

  1. Provide recommendations and training for caregivers.
  2. Determine whether patients can safely live independently, or require further rehabilitation or nursing care.
  3. Address existing disabilities with assistive devices so patients can safely perform activities of daily living (e.g., using the bathroom, bathing, getting dressed, making a meal).
  4. Perform home safety assessments before discharge to suggest modifications.
  5. Assess cognition and the ability to physically manipulate things like medication containers, and provide training when necessary.
  6. Work with physical therapists to increase the intensity of inpatient rehabilitation.

The researchers identify occupational therapy as “one spending category that affects both the clinical and social determinants of health” and note that “investing in OT has the potential to improve care quality without significantly increasing overall hospital spending.”
“The findings of this important study highlight just one of the many roles occupational therapy practitioners are playing in improving quality and reducing healthcare costs,” said AOTA Executive Director Fred Somers. “Occupational therapy practitioners are proving to be an essential member of any interprofessional team successfully addressing the changing demands of the health care delivery system.”
Rogers, A. T., Bai, G., Lavin, R. A., & Anderson, G. F. (2016, September 2). Higher hospital spending on occupational therapy is associated with lower readmission rates. Medical Care Research and Review, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077558716666981

– See more at: http://www.aota.org/Publications-News/AOTANews/2016/Occupational-Therapy-Reduces-Hospital-Readmissions.aspx#sthash.NCCqShI7.dpuf

Filed Under: Uncategorized

We want to hear from you!

Have an accessible building or design project?

Contact Us

Footer

Home modification occupational therapists around the world dedicated to designing safe, functional, and aesthetically-pleasing homes.  We’d love to make your project work for you.

Email Us: [email protected]

HMOTA Designs  |  Lift evaluation

Privacy Policy  |  Terms & Conditions

Trusted Partners

Copyright © 2025 Home Modification Occupational Therapy Alliance (HMOTA) | Designed by Eleven Tree Media