Presentation Date

3-2019

Abstract

Background:

  • In the acute care setting, occupational therapists play an important role in providing recommendations for discharge. Striving for appropriate and safe discharge is critical in avoiding hospital readmission, reducing safety risks, and promoting optimal functioning in older adults.
  • 3.3 million adults are readmitted into the hospital within 30 days after discharge in the U.S., costing $41.3 billion annually (LaPointe, 2019).
  • The average patient stay in the acute care setting is 5.5 days in the United States, putting occupational therapists in a time crunch to evaluate, treat, and prepare patients for discharge (OECD, 2017).

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