Background Inadequate discharge planning for the growing elderly population poses significant challenges for
health services. Effective discharge planning interventions have been examined in several studies, but little
information is available on nursing’s role or the specific components of these interventions. Despite the
research published on the importance of discharge planning, the impact on patient’s health outcomes still needs
to be proven in practice. Objectives To determine the best available evidence on the effectiveness of discharge
planning interventions involving at least one nurse on health-related outcomes for elderly inpatients
discharged home and to assess the relative impact of individual components of discharge planning
interventions. Conclusion Findings of this review suggest that nursing discharge planning for elderly inpatients discharged home increases length of stay, yet neither reduces readmission rates nor improves QoL.
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