Comparative studies of multifactorial or complex interventions delivered in a community setting or during the transition from hospital to home in elderly participants (65 years or more) were eligible for inclusion. Studies had to report on the effect of the intervention on hospital admission and/or readmission rates. The patient population had to normally reside in their own home. Disease specific studies were excluded.
The included studies examined complex interventions (such as combinations of interdisciplinary teams, key workers, geriatric evaluation and management, home health care, integrated health and social care, physiotherapy and nurses, primary care, care rehabilitation model). Interventions were primarily compared with usual care. There was some evidence that team training was carried out in relation to the intervention. Where reported, participant age was more than 65 years.
One reviewer performed study selection.