Home visits to the elderly – systematic literature search
Mapping review
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Key message
The Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services was commissioned by project managers in Hamar and Gjøvik municipalities to do a systematic search for literature assessing the effect of preventive home visits to the elderly.
Methods
The researchers carried out a systematic search of databases March 13th 2013 using search terms for ”elderly” combined with search terms for ”home visits” and a filter limiting the search to systematic reviews based on randomised controlled trials. Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts and retrieved those that matched the inclusion criteria.
Results
- Seven systematic reviews were included from a total of 1152 references.
- The systematic reviews included individuals aged 65 years and older, some included frail elderly while others only included those with a lower mortality risk.
- The preventing home visits were voluntary, and was provided by health- or social workers. The visits had a multidimensional focus and included advice to prevent problems or reduce risks in relation to growing old. There was variation in relation to content, provider, duration and frequency.
- The following outcomes were reported:
- self-rated health
- quality of life
- activity and participation
- admission to an institution
- physical- and psychosocial function
- use of health- and social resources and costs