Reducing Emergency Department Visits in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Xu Hanzhang, Ong Chong Yau, Ng Angus Jun Jie, Nadarajan Gayathri Devi D/O, Ong Marcus Eng Hock, Lee Jean Mui Hua
Primary Institution: Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
Hypothesis
Can a telehealth-based care coordination program reduce avoidable emergency department visits for nursing home residents?
Conclusion
The EAGLEcare ACT program significantly reduced emergency department visits among nursing home residents.
Supporting Evidence
- Prior research found that nursing home residents have a high rate of emergency department visits.
- Close to half of these emergency department visits might be avoidable.
- The program engaged 11 out of 35 nursing homes in the area.
- Seven nursing homes participated in the telehealth consultations.
- There was a significant decrease in the proportion of emergency department visits after the program's implementation.
Takeaway
This study shows that using telehealth can help older adults in nursing homes avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency room.
Methodology
A telehealth-based care coordination program was implemented in partnership with nursing homes to manage acutely-ill residents on-site.
Limitations
The effect of the program varied by nursing home characteristics and staff experiences.
Participant Demographics
Older adults living in nursing homes in Singapore.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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