Exploring reasons for variation in elderly hospital admission rates
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploratory study to identify reasons for variation in admission rates of elderly patients(over 65 years)to an acute general hospital from a group of eight GP practices in one cluster in Aberdeen City Community Health Partnership.
IRAS ID
126237
Contact name
Linda Smith
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Grampian
Research summary
The rate of emergency admission to hospital from primary care among over 65 (65+) and over 75 (75+) year olds is currently higher in Aberdeen Community Health Partnership (CHP) compared to Aberdeenshire and Moray CHPs. An increase in older people is paralleled with increased life expectancy at birth in Grampian, but also coincides with an increase in long term conditions. Healthy life expectancy for those from deprived areas is still lower compared to people from more affluent areas in Aberdeen. Reasons for repeat admission to hospital relate to both health and social care systems, availability of informal care and support networks as well as underlying causes of ill-health in an area. Re-admission rates currently vary between GP practices and the four groups, or clusters, of practices in Aberdeen City, with highest rates among the two clusters serving the areas of deprivation in the City, one of which is the focus for this study.
The study seeks to explore reasons for re-admission, and for variation in these admissions, of elderly people to hospital, the evidence from which will be used to inform service provision. The study also seeks to assess the impact of the introduction of anticipatory care plans (ACPs) in primary care in 2012 for 75+ year olds on reducing hospital admissions, as well as impact or use of discharge plans.
The study will select approximately 100 patients within a cluster of eight GP practices from those with repeat re-admissions to hospital to establish reasons for admission and types of care. Hospital records of the selected patients will be examined and face-to-face discussion held with members of the multi-disciplinary team for the GP practice. One episode of admission is defined as being aged over 65 years; admitted to hospital and survived and discharged.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
13/NS/0070
Date of REC Opinion
21 Jun 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion