Death Following Recent Admission Into Nursing Home From Community Living: A Systematic Review Into the Transition Process

Abstract

Objective: This study examines the impact of the transition process on the mortality of elderly individuals following their first admission to nursing home from the community at 1, 3, and 6 months postadmission, and causes and risk factors for death. Method: A systematic review of relevant studies published between 2000 and 2015 was conducted using key search terms: first admission, death, and nursing homes. Results: Eleven cohort studies met the inclusion criteria. Mortality within the first 6 month postadmission varied from 0% to 34% (median = 20.2). Causes of deaths were not reported. Heightened mortality was not wholly explained by intrinsic resident factors. Only two studies investigated the influence of facility factors, and found an increased risk in facilities with high antipsychotics use. Discussion: Mortality in the immediate period following admission may not simply be due to an individual’s health status. Transition processes and facility characteristics are potentially independent and modifiable risk factors.