Interventions to promote older adult functionality in the hospital-to-home transition: an integrative review

Abstract

Objective To identify interventions in the literature that assist in promoting functionality in older adults during the hospital-to-home transition. Method Integrative literature review with searches conducted between October and November 2022, in the following databases: MEDLINE, Lilacs, IBECS, BDENF, WoS, SCOPUS, CINAHL, and PEDro, using the MeSH terms: Aged, Transitional Care, and Functional Status, in any language, without temporal restriction, employing boolean operators OR and AND. Result A total of 2,123 papers were identified, with nine meeting the inclusion criteria, resulting in four categories: Health education; Active involvement of older adults and family caregivers; Multidisciplinary team involvement; Follow-up care post-hospital discharge. Conclusion The continuity of care post-hospital discharge through interventions aimed at maintaining and restoring functionality is a strategy that strengthens the autonomy and independence of older adults.