The Role of Rehabilitation Professionals in Care Transitions for Older Adults: A Scoping Review

Aim: To identify existing theories and conceptual models that inform care transition interventions and to explore whether the role of rehabilitation professionals is explicitly stated or implied in these theories and models.Methods: We searched multiple databases and included articles published from 2000 to 2018, with distinct mention of care transitions of older adults (>65 years) from one care setting to another.Result: Two theories (Middle Range Theory and System of Care Philosophy), and six conceptual models (Coleman’s Model, 4Cs of Transitional Model, Quality Cost Model of Advanced Practice Nurses Transitional Care, Health Belief Model, Care Transition Framework, Ideal Transition in Care) were identified in 13 of the 21 articles; however, only one conceptual model in an opinion paper illustrated the role of a physiotherapist in care transition.Conclusion: Most of the models, frameworks and theories that inform care transition interventions did not explicitly consider the role of RPs.