Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 21, 2026
Assessment of Dependence in Activities of Daily Living Among Older Patients in an Acute Care Unit
Published on: September 30, 2020
Comparison of Three Coordination Methods to Increase Outpatient Follow Up Among Older Adults Discharged From the
Michelle Simpson1, Suzanne Ryer2, Christopher Rubach2
1Advocate Aurora Research Institute, Advocate Health, Milwaukee, WI.
Purpose:
Older adults are among the highest users of the emergency department (ED), comprising over 50% of those discharged home from the ED. The Geriatric Emergency Department (GED) guidelines recommend addressing transitions of care that connect older adults with timely outpatient services to decrease adverse events. The purpose of outpatient follow up is to evaluate and adjust patient treatment, if necessary, following an ED visit to prevent adverse events.
Methods:
A prospective, descriptive pilot study was conducted to gather preliminary data on the potential impact of follow-up outpatient appointment coordination types (standard care, point-of-care scheduling, and portal reminder message). Older adults 65 years and over, who were discharged from six accredited GEDs within one healthcare system from October 2023 to May 2024, were included. The primary outcomes were follow up on outpatient appointment within 30 days. Secondary outcomes were 30-day ED revisit and 30-day unplanned hospitalization.
Results:
The point-of-care method/scheduling the outpatient appointment prior to GED discharge resulted in the highest outpatient follow up (63%) within 30 days of GED discharge compared to standard care (44%) and portal reminder message (35%). None of the coordination follow-up methods impacted 30-day GED revisits or hospital admission statistically.
Conclusions:
This study provided important preliminary data about the benefit of point-of-care scheduling for older adults. More research is needed to determine which older adults could benefit from point-of-care scheduling and the impact on healthcare utilization.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Methods of Documentation VI: Case Management Model
For example, a patient with a chronic...
01:29Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Long-Term Care Facilities
01:21Planning Nursing Care I
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is...
01:31Discharge Summary Forms
Here's a detailed look at the key components and guidelines for preparing a discharge summary:
01:26Methods of Documentation IV: Focus Charting
It typically involves three columns for recording information: