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OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the use of an inter-professional care team on patient length of stay and payer charges in a geriatric transitional care unit.

METHODS: An analysis of de-identified administrative records for transitional care patients for the 12-month period (2003-2004) cared for by the inter-professional team (n = 163) and cared for by traditional single provider care model (n = 176) was carried out. We conducted logistic regression on length of stay and charges controlling for patient demographics and acuity levels.

RESULTS: The inter-professional care team patients had significantly shorter lengths of stay, fewer patient days and lower total charges. Patient diagnosis and acuity were similar across groups.

CONCLUSION: This study provides empirical evidence of the impact of an inter-professional care model in providing cost-effective transitional care in a nursing home setting. Evidence of shorter lengths of stay, shorter patient days and lower charges suggests benefit in the development and financing of inter-professional care teams for transitional care services.

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