Cochrane Systematic Review

Title: Models for delivery and co‐ordination of primary or secondary health care (or both) to older adults living in aged care facilities

Good to know: Compared to usual care, alternative models may have little or no effect on the number of emergency department visits and the occurrence of adverse events. However, they may reduce unplanned hospitalizations. The authors note that the evidence is of low certainty. Due to inconsistent and limited data, no conclusions can be drawn about the cost-effectiveness of alternative models.

Limitations: The included studies show a clear geographical imbalance. Evidence on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of alternative models in low- and middle-income countries is largely lacking.

Evidence: Cochrane Review (published in March 2024); inclusion of 40 studies with 21,787 participants; comparison between alternative models of care and usual care to evaluate emergency department visits, unplanned hospitalizations and the occurrence of adverse events.