Vision loss among older patients impacts hospital resources and costs
A national study of older patients with vision loss who are hospitalized for common disorders often fall through the cracks, finds a new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology. When these patients are not identified as having special needs, outcomes, resource use and costs are likely to take a hit.
Visual loss or blindness affects nearly 4 million people in the United States. Identifying the presence of vision loss during hospitalization and employing strategies to assist patients could improve outcomes, reduce readmissions and length of stay, and improve patient satisfaction. In fact, according to the study, identification of vision loss during hospitalization could result in a cost-savings of more than $500 million annually.
“The findings underscore the importance of understanding the needs of patients with vision loss and addressing opportunities to reduce length of hospital stay, improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. This model can and should be applied to make all health care more patient-centric,” said Alan R. Morse, JD, PhD, President and CEO of Lighthouse Guild, an organization dedicated to addressing and preventing vision loss. Co-authors of the study include William Seiple, PhD, Paul P. Lee, MD, JD, Joshua D. Stein, MD, MS and Nidhi Talwar, MA.
The team compared data of more than 12,000 patients with vision loss to the same number of patients without vision loss. All patients were hospitalized for common medical conditions, such as joint replacement, digestive disorders, urinary tract infections, heart failure, or pneumonia.
Medicare patients with vision loss experienced longer lengths of stay and increased readmission rates, incurring significantly higher costs than people with no vision loss. Similar findings were found for patients who use commercial insurance.
When the findings were extrapolated nationwide, it was estimated that more than $500 million in additional annual costs would be spent caring for patients with vision loss.
"The number of people with vision loss is projected to increase substantially as rates of macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and other eye diseases are expected to rise,” noted Dr. Morse. “Now is the time to put systems in place to coordinate care among healthcare practitioners that adequately address the needs associated with vision loss, so patients receive appropriate care during hospitalization.”
It would also be wise to ensure patients are connected to resources post-discharge to prevent additional problems and potential readmissions. “Hospitalization is stressful for everyone and particularly difficult for people with vision loss,” said Dr. Morse. “It is important that their caregivers understand the consequences of vision loss on care needs during hospitalizations and afterward and identify strategies to minimize any potential negative impact.”
