Our vision is that data and information from BHI increasingly contributes to actionable insights that result in improvements in patients' experiences and outcomes.

One of the ways in which we do this is by sharing the NSW Patient Survey Program dataset with researchers, and by creating linked data sets. This is something we can do because we seek patients’ consent for linking their answers to other health information when they complete a survey. Additionally, we have made arrangements to safely share data in a secure access environment in compliance with all relevant NSW and Commonwealth legislation, regulations and policies, NSW Health delegations and Australian and International Standards.

As a result, there is growing evidence of the link between patient-reported measures (PRMs) and outcomes of care.

Researchers from BHI, the University of Sydney and UNSW Sydney have used data from the Adult Admitted Patient Survey to establish direct links between patients’ experiences and self-reported outcomes, including hospital-acquired complications, delayed discharge, and readmission to hospitals and emergency departments. So far, four research papers have been published using this data.

Adequate pain management reduces return to hospital

The first research paper found that more than half of surveyed admitted patients reported experiencing pain during their hospital stay. Those patients who reported pain were twice as likely to be readmitted or visit an ED after discharge. Importantly, this risk was fully mitigated when patients reported they received adequate pain management.

The findings underscore the prevalence of pain in hospital and the importance of patients’ positive experiences of pain management to their overall ratings, and likelihood of readmission and ED visits following discharge. Read the paper here.

Patients who received comprehensive instructions on new medications half as likely to return to hospital

Another recently released research paper found that almost half of surveyed admitted patients were prescribed new medications at discharge. Those who received comprehensive instructions on new medications were less than half as likely to be readmitted or visit an ED within 30 days of discharge. Read the paper here.

Patients’ ratings of hospital food service linked with complications and delayed discharge

The third research paper out this year found that eight in 10 survey patients admitted to hospital consumed hospital food. Those who rated food service ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’ were 2.7 times more likely to be dissatisfied with overall care in the hospital, 1.4 times more likely to report complications, and 1.9 times more likely to report delayed discharge due to feeling unwell. Read the paper here.

Patients who give low ratings of specific questions linked to readmissions

Published prior to the above, this research paper found that admitted patients with chronic conditions who gave low ratings of having things explained in ways they could understand, how well organised their care was, or how prepared for discharge they felt, were 1.5 to more than 2 times more likely to be readmitted. Read more about it here.

Understanding the direct link between PRMs and outcomes can help clinicians and decision-makers identify the key experiences they should focus on. The research also identifies the key things that patients should ask for and expect before discharge – like counselling about new medication and preparing for discharge.