Study Design for a Care Program for Frail Elderly People
Author Information
Author(s): Wilhelmson Katarina, Duner Anna, Eklund Kajsa, Gosman-Hedström Gunilla, Blomberg Staffan, Hasson Henna, Gustafsson Helena, Landahl Sten, Dahlin-Ivanoff Synneve
Primary Institution: Vårdalinstitutet, The Swedish Institute for Health Sciences, University of Gothenburg and Lund, Sweden
Hypothesis
This intervention programme for frail elderly people can reduce the number of visits to the emergency ward, increase satisfaction with health and social care and maintain functional abilities.
Conclusion
The study is expected to show positive effects of the multi-dimensional and multi-professional intervention on frail elderly peoples' health care consumption, functional abilities and satisfaction with health and social care.
Supporting Evidence
- Frail elderly people are at high risk of developing chronic disease and functional impairments.
- Integrated care programmes have shown positive effects on medication, client satisfaction, and quality of life.
- Case management has been used to coordinate the care of the elderly and has shown mainly positive effects.
- Multidisciplinary comprehensive assessments combined with tailored interventions promote functional activity and well-being.
Takeaway
This study is trying to help older people who are frail by giving them better care so they don't have to go to the hospital as much and feel happier with their care.
Methodology
The study is a randomised two-armed controlled trial with follow ups at 3, 6 and 12 months.
Potential Biases
Different professional backgrounds of interviewers may affect the consistency of data collection.
Limitations
The study could not keep research assistants blinded to group assignment, which may introduce bias.
Participant Demographics
Median age of participants was 83, with a range of 66-96 years; 61% of non-participants were women.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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