Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Studies were included if they were controlled trials and original research, published in English or French. All the included trials were randomised.
Specific interventions included in the review
Any geriatric post-discharge service was included. Services included multi-disciplinary team follow-up, and regular visits from a nurse, home care aide, or a volunteer. The services lasted from 2 weeks to 12 months.
Participants included in the review
The majority of studies enrolled elderly people who were discharged from the hospital to home. The participants were generally aged 65 years and over, although the age ranged from at least 60 years to 75 years and over. Two studies had no age restriction: one enrolled people being discharged with chronic illness, whilst another enrolled those being discharged from a rehabilitation unit. Several studies excluded those with terminal illnesses or severe dementia, and those requiring intensive care. The majority of the studies were carried out in the USA and UK, with the remainder in Sweden, Australia and Germany.
Outcomes assessed in the review
Studies were included if they contained at least one measure of mental state. The measures included the Philadelphia morale scale, depression scales, assessment of mental state, contentment or satisfaction, and social and emotional functioning. The follow-up varied from 4 weeks to 12 months from discharge.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
The author stated that the process of selecting the papers could have been conducted independently by at least one other reviewer to assess agreement, implying that only one reviewer was involved.