Preventing error-based transfers in long-term care homes across Ontario

Long-term care (LTC) residents are entitled to the healthcare they want and from which they can benefit. Yet, residents’ values, wishes, and beliefs are frequently overlooked when treatment decisions are needed, leading to aggressive interventions that are often unnecessary and costly.

The Prevention of Error-Based Transfers (PoET) Project has recruited 54 LTC homes across Ontario, representing 7,319 LTC residents. Preliminary analysis indicates a 29% reduction in the average number of monthly transfers to hospital emergency departments. Additionally, a cohort of 10 LTC homes showed a 462% increase in the average number of LTC residents receiving palliative care. These results suggest greater alignment with resident-centered decision-making.

Currently, in the last 6 months of the project, the research team is interviewing LTC residents and/or family caregivers about their PoET experience. Moreover, a health economic analysis is being conducted from ICES data to match residents living in PoET homes with control residents to compare hospital transfer patterns and potential health system cost-savings.

This project has been made possible through a financial contribution from Health Canada. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of Health Canada.