Towards an integrated model of care for older adults transitioning from the Emergency Department to the community

Worldwide increases in life expectancy are leading to the rapid ageing of populations. By 2031, it is forecasted that there will be more than one million older adults in Ireland, representing 20% of our overall population. It is widely accepted that older adults frequently avail of health services in the community and in the hospital but that these services are often disjointed, particularly when older adults move between care settings (e.g. from the hospital to the community).

This programme of research concentrates on older adults who are discharged to the community after they present to the Emergency Department (ED) because research indicates that these older adults can be at risk of poor outcomes following ED discharge.

This proposal aims to develop and evaluate a streamlined and coordinated care pathway so that these older adults get the care that they need, when they need it, in a straightforward way that achieves the desired results for them and provides value for money.

This overall aim will be achieved through examining international models of best practice, examining local and national data on older adults trends in healthcare use and meaningful engagement with older adults and their families and carers, advocacy groups, health-decision makers and health-practitioners.

This programme of work responds to key priorities identified in national and international ageing, emergency care and integrated care strategies relating to the development and delivery of care pathways that are responsive to the changing needs and preferences of older adults.

This research programme will develop and examine an evidence-based model of integrated care for older adults following ED visit that is planned around their needs and choices, supporting them to live well in their own homes and communities. This will be realised through collaboration and meaningful engagement with service users, advocacy groups, health-decision makers and health-practitioners.

This research programme responds to key actionable strategic priorities identified in national ageing, emergency care and integrated care policies relating to the development and delivery of a continuum of high quality care services that are responsive to the needs and preferences of older adults.

Award Date

14 February 2020

Award Value

€1,149,778.00

Principal Investigator

Dr Rose Galvin

Host Institution

University of Limerick

Scheme

RL FA 2020