Key result
A systematic review of 68 older adults found that the experience of hospital readmission is characterized by a cycle of exclusion during the initial stay and uncertainty following discharge.
Why the study?
The experience of hospital readmissions from the perspective of older adults was not well explored.
What is the experience of being readmitted to hospital for people 65 years and over?
Systematic Review (n=68)
What is the experience of being readmitted to hospital for people 65 years and over?
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Older adults experience hospital readmission as a negative cycle of exclusion and uncertainty, highlighting the need for better emotional and psychological support during transitions of care.
AIM: To explore the experience of readmissions to hospital from the perspective of older adults. METHODS: A systematic review with an interpretative approach was conducted. CINAHL, Embase, and Medline were consulted in October 2016. RESULTS: Six studies with data collection between 2004 and 2013 fit the relevant criteria and included a total of 68 older adults. Two overarching themes were developed with relevant subthemes: Experience during initial hospital stay distinguished by exclusion (Feeling powerless; Feeling disregarded; Perception of readiness for discharge); Patients experience uncertainty following discharge (Perception that community-based services are not available or adequate; Perception that hospital is the only safe place; Difficulty in adapting to a "new normal"). CONCLUSIONS: A cycle of exclusion exists during the initial hospital stay and beyond. The experience of being readmitted to hospital is challenging, mostly perceived as negative, and, existential, emotional and psychological well-being is not satisfactorily addressed by healthcare professionals.
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Blakey et al. (2017) conducted a systematic review in Hospital readmission (n=68). Hospital readmission was evaluated on Experience of readmissions to hospital. A systematic review of 68 older adults found that the experience of hospital readmission is characterized by a cycle of exclusion during the initial stay and uncertainty following discharge.
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