Analyzing the Effect of Nurse-Led Follow-Up Calls to Reduce Emergency Department Readmissions in Older Adults

Vollständiger Abstract

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Purpose: To evaluate whether nurse-led follow-up calls after emergency department (ED) discharge were associated with decreased 30-day ED revisits and hospital admissions among older adults in two geriatric practices. Method: The current retrospective quality improvement evaluation was conducted from April 2023 to March 2025. RNs called individuals aged ≥65 years within 5 business days of ED discharge to review instructions, assess symptoms, and support primary care provider (PCP) follow up. Outcomes were 30-day ED revisits and hospital admissions. Logistic regression assessed associations between a 5-day nurse call, a 14-day PCP visit, and combined. Results: Of 2,381 patients, 42.4% received a nurse call and 47.8% completed a PCP visit. Within 30 days, 13.1% revisited the ED and 10.4% were hospitalized. Nurse calls were associated with higher odds of ED revisits, but combined calls and PCP visits were associated with decreased 30-day hospitalization. Conclusion: Nurse-led calls were feasible and may strengthen ED–to-home transitions in older adults.