Merrick E, Bloomfield K, Seplaki C, Shannon K, Wham C, Winnington R, Neville S, Bail K, Fry M, Turner M, MacFarlane J. A systematic review of reasons and risks for acute service use by older adult residents of long-term care.
J Clin Nurs 2025;
34:697-714. [PMID:
38616544 PMCID:
PMC11808469 DOI:
10.1111/jocn.17165]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
To identify the reasons and/or risk factors for hospital admission and/or emergency department attendance for older (≥60 years) residents of long-term care facilities.
BACKGROUND
Older adults' use of acute services is associated with significant financial and social costs. A global understanding of the reasons for the use of acute services may allow for early identification and intervention, avoid clinical deterioration, reduce the demand for health services and improve quality of life.
DESIGN
Systematic review registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022326964) and reported following PRISMA guidelines.
METHODS
The search strategy was developed in consultation with an academic librarian. The strategy used MeSH terms and relevant keywords. Articles published since 2017 in English were eligible for inclusion. CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection were searched (11/08/22). Title, abstract, and full texts were screened against the inclusion/exclusion criteria; data extraction was performed two blinded reviewers. Quality of evidence was assessed using the NewCastle Ottawa Scale (NOS).
RESULTS
Thirty-nine articles were eligible and included in this review; included research was assessed as high-quality with a low risk of bias. Hospital admission was reported as most likely to occur during the first year of residence in long-term care. Respiratory and cardiovascular diagnoses were frequently associated with acute services use. Frailty, hypotensive medications, falls and inadequate nutrition were associated with unplanned service use.
CONCLUSIONS
Modifiable risks have been identified that may act as a trigger for assessment and be amenable to early intervention. Coordinated intervention may have significant individual, social and economic benefits.
RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE
This review has identified several modifiable reasons for acute service use by older adults. Early and coordinated intervention may reduce the risk of hospital admission and/or emergency department.
REPORTING METHOD
This systematic review was conducted and reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology.
PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION
No patient or public contribution.
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