Evaluate the Efficacy of Novel Nursing Management Method Including Both Preparation Services and Continuity of Care in Elderly Patients with Aspiration Pneumonia

Objective: The concept of discharge preparation services originated from the continuum of care and referral system first established in the United States in 1910. Extended care is a series of nursing care activities to ensure continuity and coordination of care for patients in different health care settings. Guidance to reduce or prevent the deterioration of the health status of patients with chronic diseases. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of discharge preparation service and extended care in elderly patients with aspiration pneumonia. Methods: A total of 40 elderly patients with aspiration pneumonia who were hospitalized in the respiratory and critical care department of a tertiary care hospital from February 2017 to February 2019 were enrolled in this study and divided into two groups. Patients in the control group received conventional nursing interventions while patients in observation group received specific chronic disease management including discharge preparation service and continuity of care. Patients' satisfaction with nursing services, their ability to take care of themselves in daily life one month after discharge, and the number of hospital readmissions within one year after discharge were documented and compared between two groups. Results: Our study suggested that patients’ satisfaction with nursing services and their self-care capabilities one month after discharge were significantly higher in the observation group compared to the control group (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the number of readmissions within one year after discharge was significantly decreased in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The chronic disease management model including specific discharge preparation service and extended care provided patients with better nursing services and resulted in better prognosis.