An emergency department transitional care team prevents unnecessary hospitalization of older adults: a mixed methods study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Older adults with acute functional decline may visit emergency departments (EDs) for medical support despite a lack of strict medical urgency. The introduction of transitional care teams (TCT) at the ED has shown promise in reducing avoidable admittances. However, the optimal composition and implementation of TCTs are still poorly defined. We evaluated the effect of TCTs consisting of an elderly care physician (ECP) and transfer nurse versus a transfer nurse only on reducing hospital admissions, as well as the experience of patients and caregivers regarding quality of care.

Methods

We assessed older adults (≥ 65 years) at the ED with acute functional decline but no medical indication for admission. Data were collected on type and post-ED care, and re-visits were

SUBMITTER: Pepping RMC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11312197 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature