A Pilot Study Exploring Treatment Burden in a Skilled Nursing Population.
Nathanial Schreiner, Barbara Daly
PMID 30272623WHAT IT FOUND
Treatment burden was similar before discharge and 30 days after, averaging 39.06 and 37.01 on a 0 to 150 scale.
Six people went from no burden to some burden.
Key findings
01In 74 adults, treatment burden averaged 39.06 before discharge and 37.01 at 30 days on a 0 to 150 scale.
02The mean burden score did not differ between the two time points.
03Higher self-reported impact of chronic conditions predicted higher burden, and having a caregiver predicted lower burden.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The study used convenience sampling at one skilled nursing facility, so it may not represent other facilities. The sample was over 90% White, so findings may not apply to more racially diverse populations. People with severe cognitive impairment were excluded, so it says little about patients with severe dementia or very low cognitive function. The severity of chronic conditions was measured with a self-report index that the paper says was not psychometrically tested. Employment status was not collected, so the study could not test whether working adults have higher burden. This was a pilot study, so it cannot show that screening reduces burden or improves patient outcomes.
Declared interests
The authors reported no disclosed conflict of interest or funding.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read the similar average scores as proof that going home never adds burden. The mean change was not statistically significant, but six participants went from no burden before admission to some burden after returning home.