Outcomes of cognitively impaired older people in Transition Care

AIM: The benefits of Transition Care Programs (TCPs) for patients with cognitive impairment are not well established. This study aimed to investigate the impact of TCP on patients according to their cognitive status. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, 351 patients were comprehensively assessed at TCP admission using the interRAI Home Care instrument and divided into two groups based on scores on the Cognitive Performance Scale. RESULTS: Of 346 patients assessed for cognition, 242 (69.9%) were considered cognitively intact, and 104 (30.1%) were classified as cognitively impaired (Cognitive Performance Scale ≥ 2). There were no significant differences in TCP outcomes between the two groups, including community living at six months (P = 0.1), hospital readmission rates (P = 0.6), or achievement of TCP goals (P = 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: Cognitively intact and cognitively impaired patients have similar outcomes post-TCP. Older patients should not be refused Transition Care based on the presence of cognitive impairment.