Skilled nursing providers could see additional benefits from quality innovation networks if the programs made a better effort to tailor information and resources specifically for nursing homes, according to a new report.
A research team found that resources on antibiotic stewardship and reducing avoidable rehospitalizations were made widely available for nursing homes. Resources such as tool kits, webinars and training, however, were available to providers in only 23 states. Investigators also found that infection prevention resources were limited to 34 states.
The programs could be more beneficial to nursing homes if they used “centralized resources with tailored or specialized links to unique local resources, like in‐person trainings and state‐specific contact information,” researchers concluded.
A 2015 report found that Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Quality Innovation Networks were successful in reducing antipsychotic use, bolstering medication safety and improving care transitions in nursing homes.
The report analyzed quality innovation networks’ online resources that are provided to nursing homes. Each website was evaluated on several factors, including usability, accessibility, website design, availability of training materials and quality focus areas.
The report’s findings were published Friday in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
