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AHRQ Research Studies
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Research Studies is a compilation of published research articles funded by AHRQ or authored by AHRQ researchers.
Results
101 to 125 of 944 Research Studies DisplayedZimmerman S, Carder P, Schwartz L
The imperative to reimagine assisted living.
Assisted living (AL) has existed in the United States for decades, evolving in response to older adults' need for supportive care and distaste for nursing homes and older models of congregate care. AL is state-regulated, provides at least 2 meals a day, around-the-clock supervision, and help with personal care, but is not licensed as a nursing home. This article presents the background regarding those tensions, as well as potential solutions that have been borne out, paving the path to a better future of assisted living.
AHRQ-funded; HS026893.
Citation: Zimmerman S, Carder P, Schwartz L .
The imperative to reimagine assisted living.
J Am Med Dir Assoc 2022 Feb;23(2):225-34. doi: 10.1016/j.jamda.2021.12.004..
Keywords: Elderly, Long-Term Care, Healthcare Delivery, Workforce, Quality of Care, Quality of Life, Healthcare Costs
Rastogi R, Yu PC, Deshpande A
Treatment and outcomes among patients ≥85 years hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia.
This retrospective cohort study’s objective was to describe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) among patients ≥85 years and compare them to patients aged 65-74. Findings showed that patients aged 85 and over have different comorbidities and etiologies of CAP, receive less intense treatment, and have greater mortality than patients between 65 and 75 years.
AHRQ-funded; HS024277.
Citation: Rastogi R, Yu PC, Deshpande A .
Treatment and outcomes among patients ≥85 years hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia.
J Investig Med 2022 Feb;70(2):376-82. doi: 10.1136/jim-2021-002078..
Keywords: Elderly, Community-Acquired Infections, Pneumonia, Outcomes, Hospitalization
Dossett LA, Mott NM, Bredbeck BC
Using tailored messages to target overuse of Low-Value breast cancer care in older women.
The purpose of this study was to examine the role that an individual’s maximizing-minimizing trait, an inherent preference for more or less medical care, may influence the preference for low-value care in the omission of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and post-lumpectomy radiotherapy in women 70 years of age or higher with early-stage, hormone-receptor positive invasive breast cancer. The researchers recruited women 70 years of age or higher (n=1600) who were maximizers (515), minimizers (550), or neutral (535), and presented them with a hypothetical breast cancer diagnosis and then randomized exposure to one of three follow-up messages. Messages included: 1) maximizer-tailored, 2) minimizer-tailored, or 3) neutral. The study reported that higher maximizing tendency correlated positively with electing both SLNB and radiotherapy on logistic regression. Any maximizer- or minimizer-tailoring decreased preference for SLNB in maximizing and neutral women but had no effect in minimizing women. Tailoring had no impact on radiotherapy decision, except for an increased probability of minimizers electing radiotherapy when presented with maximizer-tailored messaging. The study concluded that among women facing a hypothetical breast cancer diagnosis, tendencies for maximizing-minimizing are correlated with preferences for treatment.
AHRQ-funded; HS026030.
Citation: Dossett LA, Mott NM, Bredbeck BC .
Using tailored messages to target overuse of Low-Value breast cancer care in older women.
J Surg Res 2022 Feb;270:503-12. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2021.10.005..
Keywords: Elderly, Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Women, Decision Making, Clinician-Patient Communication, Communication
Rosenthal M, Poling J, Wec A
"Medication is just one piece of the whole puzzle": how nursing homes change their use of antipsychotic medications.
This article investigated health professionals’ experiences with decision-making during changes under the National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care in Nursing Homes and its companion coalitions. These programs were introduced in 2012 for the purpose of encouraging reductions in antipsychotic use and increasing use of nonpharmacological treatments for dementia. Interviews were conducted with 40 nursing home physicians and staff in seven states. The authors found that reducing antipsychotics is more time and resource-intensive than relying on medication. However, respondents supported reductions in antipsychotic use. They indicated that with supported staffing, effective communications, and training, they could create or implement individualized treatments.
AHRQ-funded; HS023464.
Citation: Rosenthal M, Poling J, Wec A .
"Medication is just one piece of the whole puzzle": how nursing homes change their use of antipsychotic medications.
J Appl Gerontol 2022 Jan;41(1):62-72. doi: 10.1177/0733464820958919..
Keywords: Elderly, Medication, Nursing Homes, Dementia, Neurological Disorders, Long-Term Care, Decision Making
Wickwire EM, Bailey MD, Somers VK
CPAP adherence is associated with reduced inpatient utilization among older adult Medicare beneficiaries with pre-existing cardiovascular disease.
The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on health care utilization among a nationally representative and sample of older adults with multiple morbidities and pre-existing cardiovascular disease and subsequently diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea in the United States. The investigators concluded that in this nationally representative sample of older Medicare beneficiaries with multiple morbidities and relative to low adherers, high adherers demonstrated reduced inpatient utilization.
AHRQ-funded; HS024560.
Citation: Wickwire EM, Bailey MD, Somers VK .
CPAP adherence is associated with reduced inpatient utilization among older adult Medicare beneficiaries with pre-existing cardiovascular disease.
J Clin Sleep Med 2022 Jan;18(1):39-45. doi: 10.5664/jcsm.9478..
Keywords: Elderly, Medicare, Sleep Problems, Cardiovascular Conditions, Patient Adherence/Compliance, Hospitalization, Healthcare Utilization, Respiratory Conditions
Martin BA, Breslow RM, Sims A
Identifying over-the-counter information to prioritize for the purpose of reducing adverse drug reactions in older adults: a national survey of pharmacists.
This study’s objective was to determine which information on over-the-counter (OTC) Drug Facts Labels (DFS) is most critical in reducing adverse drug reactions (ADRs) among older adults and should be placed in front of the label. A national survey of practicing pharmacists knowledgeable about OTC medication use by older adults asked respondents to rank order the importance of the DFL sections to reduce ADRs. A total of 318 responses were analyzed. There was high consensus that uses and purposes, active ingredient, warnings, and directions for use were the most important sections on the label. Two specific warnings “Do not use” and “Ask a doctor or pharmacist” were deemed most important in the warnings section.
AHRQ-funded; HS025386.
Citation: Martin BA, Breslow RM, Sims A .
Identifying over-the-counter information to prioritize for the purpose of reducing adverse drug reactions in older adults: a national survey of pharmacists.
J Am Pharm Assoc 2022 Jan-Feb;62(1):167-75.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.japh.2021.08.019..
Keywords: Elderly, Medication: Safety, Medication, Adverse Drug Events (ADE), Adverse Events, Patient Safety, Health Literacy, Education: Patient and Caregiver
Herzig SJ, Anderson TS,, Jung y
Risk factors for opioid-related adverse drug events among older adults after hospital discharge.
This study examined patient- and prescribing-related risk factors for opioid-related adverse drug events (ADEs) after hospital discharge among medical patients. Administrative billing codes and medication claims were used to define potential opioid-related ADEs within 30 days of hospital discharge. Findings showed that potential opioid-related ADEs occurred in 7% of older adults discharged from a medical hospitalization with an opioid prescription. Recommendations included using identified risk factors to inform physician decision-making, having conversations with older adults about risk, and increasing development and targeting of harm reduction strategies.
AHRQ-funded; HS026215.
Citation: Herzig SJ, Anderson TS,, Jung y .
Risk factors for opioid-related adverse drug events among older adults after hospital discharge.
J Am Geriatr Soc 2022 Jan;70(1):228-34. doi: 10.1111/jgs.17453..
Keywords: Elderly, Opioids, Risk, Adverse Drug Events (ADE), Adverse Events, Medication, Hospital Discharge
Sun N, Hua CL, Qiu X
Urban and rural differences in trajectories of depressive symptoms in later life in the United States.
This research had two primary goals: to examine the relationship between urban residence and trajectories of depressive symptoms and to investigate whether this relationship differs by social isolation and loneliness. The investigators conducted latent growth curve analysis to predict both baseline and trajectories of depression based on urban or rural residency. Findings of this study served to better understand how social and geographic contexts shaped long-term well-being of older adults.
AHRQ-funded; HS000011.
Citation: Sun N, Hua CL, Qiu X .
Urban and rural differences in trajectories of depressive symptoms in later life in the United States.
J Appl Gerontol 2022 Jan;41(1):148-57. doi: 10.1177/0733464820972527..
Keywords: Elderly, Rural Health, Depression, Behavioral Health
Rhee TG, Sint K, Olfson M
Association of ECT with risks of all-cause mortality and suicide in older Medicare patients.
This observational study examined the effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on suicide and all-cause mortality risk in Medicare psychiatric patients age 65 or older. Patients receiving ECT were exact matched to control subjects in a 1-to-3 ratio on age, gender, principal hospital diagnosis, past-year psychiatric hospitalizations, past-year suicide attempts, and Elixhauser comorbidity index. A total of 10,46 patients were in the ECT group and 31,160 in the control group. Compared with the control group, patients receiving ECT had lower all-cause mortality for up to 1 year following hospital discharge. For death by suicide, ECT was associated with short-lived effects which waned over time.
AHRQ-funded; HS023000.
Citation: Rhee TG, Sint K, Olfson M .
Association of ECT with risks of all-cause mortality and suicide in older Medicare patients.
Am J Psychiatry 2021 Dec;178(12):1089-97. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2021.21040351..
Keywords: Elderly, Behavioral Health, Mortality, Treatments
Fashaw-Walters SA, McCreedy E, Bynum JPW
Disproportionate increases in schizophrenia diagnoses among Black nursing home residents with ADRD.
Investigators examined how race and Alzheimer's and related dementia (ADRD) status influenced the rate of schizophrenia diagnoses among nursing home (NH) residents following the CMS National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care. Using 2011-2015 Minimum Data Set 3.0 assessments, they found that, following the partnership, black NH residents with ADRD were more likely to have a schizophrenia diagnosis documented on their minimum data set assessments, and schizophrenia rates increased for black NH residents with ADRD only.
AHRQ-funded; HS000011.
Citation: Fashaw-Walters SA, McCreedy E, Bynum JPW .
Disproportionate increases in schizophrenia diagnoses among Black nursing home residents with ADRD.
J Am Geriatr Soc 2021 Dec;69(12):3623-30. doi: 10.1111/jgs.17464..
Keywords: Elderly, Dementia, Nursing Homes, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Long-Term Care
Cornelio N, McInerney MP, Mellor JM
Increasing Medicaid's stagnant asset test for people eligible for Medicare and Medicaid will help vulnerable seniors.
Researchers examined states' income and asset tests for full-benefit Medicaid during the period 2006-18 and examined how alternative asset tests would affect eligibility for community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries ages sixty-five and older. They found that increasing asset limits would lessen restrictions on Medicaid eligibility that arise from stagnant asset tests, broadening eligibility for certain low-income Medicare beneficiaries and allowing them to retain higher, yet still modest, savings.
AHRQ-funded; HS025422; HS026727; HS027698.
Citation: Cornelio N, McInerney MP, Mellor JM .
Increasing Medicaid's stagnant asset test for people eligible for Medicare and Medicaid will help vulnerable seniors.
Health Affairs 2021 Dec;40(12):1943-52. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.2021.00841..
Keywords: Elderly, Medicaid, Medicare, Low-Income, Vulnerable Populations
Werner RM, Templeton Z, Apathy N
Trends in post-acute care in US nursing homes: 2001-2017.
The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to describe recent trends in post-acute care provision within nursing homes, focusing specifically on nursing homes' degree of specialization in post-acute care. The investigators concluded that over the last 2 decades, post-acute care has become increasingly concentrated in a subset of nursing homes, which tend to be for-profit, part of a chain, and less likely to serve racial and ethnic minorities and persons on Medicaid.
AHRQ-funded; HS026116.
Citation: Werner RM, Templeton Z, Apathy N .
Trends in post-acute care in US nursing homes: 2001-2017.
J Am Med Dir Assoc 2021 Dec;22(12):2491-95.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.jamda.2021.06.015..
Keywords: Elderly, Nursing Homes, Racial and Ethnic Minorities
Xiong KZ, Shah S, Stone JA
Using a scenario-based hybrid approach to understand participant health behavior.
This study described a scenario-based hybrid approach that included a simulation exercise and a situational interview to understand how older adults first select and then take OTC medication. The authors concluded that the scenario-based hybrid approach not only yielded detailed information about behavior, but also allowed investigators to discern participants' decision-making, influences, and the rationales they used when selecting and taking OTC medications.
AHRQ-funded; HS024490.
Citation: Xiong KZ, Shah S, Stone JA .
Using a scenario-based hybrid approach to understand participant health behavior.
Res Social Adm Pharm 2021 Dec;17(12):2070-74. doi: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2021.02.020..
Keywords: Elderly, Medication, Decision Making
Morris AO, Gilson A, Chui MA
Utilizing a cognitive engineering approach to conduct a hierarchical task analysis to understand complex older adult decision-making during over-the-counter medication selection.
This study characterized older adults' cognitive decision-making process when seeking to self-medicate with over-the-counter (OTC) medications from their community pharmacy, and demonstrated how hierarchical task analysis (HTA) can be used to evaluate a pharmacy intervention's impact on their decision-making. Findings showed that, while selecting an OTC, older adults considered quantity, cost, form, regimen, safety, strength, appropriateness of OTC safety, generic/name-brand, past experiences, and ingredients. The study intervention reduced by half the number of factors considered. Findings suggested that HTA-informed decision profiles may provide pharmacists with critical insights into safety issues that older adults may not be considering so that pharmacists can support their decision-making.
AHRQ-funded; HS024490.
Citation: Morris AO, Gilson A, Chui MA .
Utilizing a cognitive engineering approach to conduct a hierarchical task analysis to understand complex older adult decision-making during over-the-counter medication selection.
Res Social Adm Pharm 2021 Dec;17(12):2116-26. doi: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2021.07.005..
Keywords: Elderly, Decision Making, Medication
McInerney M, Mellor JM, Sabik LM. M, Mellor JM, Sabik LM
Welcome mats and on-ramps for older adults: the impact of the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid Expansions on Dual Enrollment in Medicare and Medicaid.
The authors examined whether Medicaid participation by low-income adults age 65 and up increased as a result of Medicaid expansions to working-age adults under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Using American Community Survey data and state variation in ACA Medicaid expansions, they found that Medicaid expansions to working-age adults increased Medicaid participation among low-income older adults by 4.4 percent. They also found evidence of an “on-ramp” effect, which is an important mechanism behind welcome mat effects among some older adults.
AHRQ-funded; HS025422.
Citation: McInerney M, Mellor JM, Sabik LM. M, Mellor JM, Sabik LM .
Welcome mats and on-ramps for older adults: the impact of the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid Expansions on Dual Enrollment in Medicare and Medicaid.
J Policy Anal Manage 2021 Win;40(1):12-41. doi: 10.1002/pam.22259..
Keywords: Elderly, Medicaid, Medicare, Low-Income, Health Insurance, Policy
Tandan M, Zimmerman S, Sloane PD
Which nursing home residents with pneumonia are managed on-site and which are hospitalized? Results from 2 years' surveillance in 14 US homes.
Pneumonia is a frequent cause of hospitalization among nursing home (NH) residents, but little information is available as to how clinical presentation and other characteristics relate to hospitalization, and the differential use of antimicrobials based on hospitalization status. This study examined how hospitalized and nonhospitalized NH residents with pneumonia differ. The investigators concluded that respiratory rate was associated with hospitalization but was not documented for more than a quarter of residents.
AHRQ-funded; HS022298.
Citation: Tandan M, Zimmerman S, Sloane PD .
Which nursing home residents with pneumonia are managed on-site and which are hospitalized? Results from 2 years' surveillance in 14 US homes.
J Am Med Dir Assoc 2020 Dec;21(12):1862-68.e3. doi: 10.1016/j.jamda.2020.07.028..
Keywords: Elderly, Nursing Homes, Pneumonia, Respiratory Conditions, Hospitalization
Tucher Keeney, T Cohen, AJ
Conceptualizing food insecurity among older adults: development of a summary indicator in the National Health and Aging Trends Study.
Measurement of food insecurity in older adults is focused on financial barriers to food access. Given that older adults are particularly susceptible to additional access-related barriers including functional limitations and lack of social support, the objective of this study was to construct a summary indicator of food insecurity incorporating these domains. The investigators concluded that food insecurity among older adults is broader than lacking adequate financial resources to obtain food; it is also associated with social and functional limitations.
AHRQ-funded; HS000011.
Citation: Tucher Keeney, T Cohen, AJ .
Conceptualizing food insecurity among older adults: development of a summary indicator in the National Health and Aging Trends Study.
J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021 Nov 15;76(10):2063-72. doi: 10.1093/geronb/gbaa147..
Keywords: Elderly, Nutrition, Health Status
Orth J, Li Y, Simning A
Nursing home residents with dementia: association between place of death and patient safety culture.
This study examined the association of place of death and patient safety culture among nursing home (NH) residents with dementia. The authors examined the estimated effects of patient safety culture (PSC) among 11,957 long-stay NH residents with dementia, aged 65+ who died in NHs or hospitals shortly following discharge from one of 800 US NHs in 2017. Residents with dementia in NHs with higher PSC scores in communication openness had lower odds of in-hospital death, with the strongest effect in NHs located in states with higher minimum NH nurse staffing requirements.
AHRQ-funded; HS024923.
Citation: Orth J, Li Y, Simning A .
Nursing home residents with dementia: association between place of death and patient safety culture.
Gerontologist 2021 Nov 15;61(8):1296-306. doi: 10.1093/geront/gnaa188..
Keywords: Elderly, Dementia, Nursing Homes, Mortality, Patient Safety
Garrett SB, Nicosia F, Thompson N
Barriers and facilitators to older adults' use of nonpharmacologic approaches for chronic pain: a person-focused model.
This study examined the factors that influence older adults’ living with chronic pain use of nonpharmacologic approaches as complements to or substitutes for pharmacologic treatments for pain. The authors conducted 25 semistructured qualitative interviews with adults with multiple morbidities living with chronic pain for 6 months or more. Transcripts were coded to identify factors that hindered or encouraged participants’ use of various nonpharmacologic approaches. Three factors were grouped together: awareness of nonpharmacologic approaches as relevant to their pain, appeal of the approach, and access to the approach.
AHRQ-funded; HS022241.
Citation: Garrett SB, Nicosia F, Thompson N .
Barriers and facilitators to older adults' use of nonpharmacologic approaches for chronic pain: a person-focused model.
Pain 2021 Nov;162(11):2769-79. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002260..
Keywords: Elderly, Pain, Chronic Conditions
Guo W, Li Y, Temkin-Greener H. W, Li Y, Temkin-Greener H
Community discharge among post-acute nursing home residents: an association with patient safety culture?
Researchers examined whether better patient safety culture (PSC) in skilled nursing facilities was associated with higher likelihood of successful community discharge for post-acute care residents. PSC scores were obtained from a national, random survey conducted in 2017. They found that post-acute care residents who were successfully discharged to community were more likely to be female, white, Medicare-only, cognitively intact, and admitted following a surgery. The multivariable analyses showed that teamwork and supervisor expectations and actions promoting resident safety were significantly associated with the increased likelihood of successful community discharge.
AHRQ-funded; HS024923.
Citation: Guo W, Li Y, Temkin-Greener H. W, Li Y, Temkin-Greener H .
Community discharge among post-acute nursing home residents: an association with patient safety culture?
J Am Med Dir Assoc 2021 Nov;22(11):2384-88.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jamda.2021.04.022..
Keywords: Elderly, Nursing Homes, Patient Safety
Vaughan CP, Hwang U, Vandenberg AE
Early prescribing outcomes after exporting the EQUIPPED medication safety improvement programme.
Enhancing quality of prescribing practices for older adults discharged from the Emergency Department (EQUIPPED) aims to reduce the monthly proportion of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) prescribed to older adults discharged from the ED to 5% or less. In this paper, the investigator described prescribing outcomes at three academic health systems adapting and sequentially implementing the EQUIPPED medication safety programme.
AHRQ-funded; HS024499.
Citation: Vaughan CP, Hwang U, Vandenberg AE .
Early prescribing outcomes after exporting the EQUIPPED medication safety improvement programme.
BMJ Open Qual 2021 Nov;10(4). doi: 10.1136/bmjoq-2021-001369..
Keywords: Elderly, Medication: Safety, Medication, Patient Safety, Emergency Department, Quality Improvement, Quality of Care
Herb J, Staley BS, Roberson M
Use and disparities in parathyroidectomy for symptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism in the Medicare population.
The investigators’ objective was to determine national usage and disparities in parathyroidectomy for symptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism among insured older adults. Data was obtained using Medicare claims. They found that parathyroidectomy was underused and recommended that quality improvement efforts, rooted in equitable care, be undertaken to increase access to parathyroidectomy for this disease.
AHRQ-funded; HS000032.
Citation: Herb J, Staley BS, Roberson M .
Use and disparities in parathyroidectomy for symptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism in the Medicare population.
Surgery 2021 Nov;170(5):1376-82. doi: 10.1016/j.surg.2021.05.026..
Keywords: Elderly, Disparities, Medicare, Surgery, Racial and Ethnic Minorities
Baughman AW, Renton M, Wehbi NK
Building community and resilience in Massachusetts nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers discuss the partnership of the Massachusetts Senior Care Association and Hebrew SeniorLife with AHRQ ECHO National Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network (the Network). This educational program provided 16 weeks of free weekly virtual sessions to 295 eligible nursing homes. The Network weekly meetings were a source of connection, emotional support, and validation and may be a valuable mechanism to support resilience and wellbeing for nursing home staff.
AHRQ-funded; 75Q80120C00003.
Citation: Baughman AW, Renton M, Wehbi NK .
Building community and resilience in Massachusetts nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
J Am Geriatr Soc 2021 Oct;69(10):2716-21. doi: 10.1111/jgs.17389..
Keywords: COVID-19, Elderly, Nursing Homes, Evidence-Based Practice, Provider: Health Personnel, Education: Continuing Medical Education, Training
Ma C, McDonald MV, Feldman PH
Continuity of nursing care in home health: impact on rehospitalization among older adults with dementia.
The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to examine the association between continuity of nursing care in home health care (HHC) and rehospitalization among persons with dementia (PWD). Multiple years of HHC assessment, administrative, and human resources data from a large urban not-for-profit home health agency was used. Findings showed that wide variations exist in continuity of nursing care to PWD. Consistency in nurse staff when providing HHC visits to PWD is critical for preventing rehospitalizations.
AHRQ-funded; HS023593.
Citation: Ma C, McDonald MV, Feldman PH .
Continuity of nursing care in home health: impact on rehospitalization among older adults with dementia.
Med Care 2021 Oct;59(10):913-20. doi: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001599..
Keywords: Elderly, Home Healthcare, Dementia, Neurological Disorders, Hospital Readmissions
Werner NE, Rutkowski RA, Krause S
Disparate perspectives: exploring healthcare professionals' misaligned mental models of older adults' transitions of care between the emergency department and skilled nursing facility.
Care transitions that occur across healthcare system boundaries represent a unique challenge for maintaining high quality care and patient safety, as these systems are typically not aligned to perform the care transition process. In this article, the investigators explored healthcare professionals' mental models of older adults' transitions between the emergency department (ED) and skilled nursing facility (SNF).
AHRQ-funded; HS026624.
Citation: Werner NE, Rutkowski RA, Krause S .
Disparate perspectives: exploring healthcare professionals' misaligned mental models of older adults' transitions of care between the emergency department and skilled nursing facility.
Appl Ergon 2021 Oct;96:103509. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2021.103509..
Keywords: Elderly, Transitions of Care, Emergency Department, Nursing Homes, Healthcare Delivery