Determinants of hospital readmissions in older people with dementia – a lay summary

In the United Kingdom, there are currently around 900,000 people living with dementia, and this number is projected to increase to over 2 million by 2051. Dementia care is complex and consists of an array of factors that present differently between individuals. As the disease progresses with age, older individuals living with dementia experience biological, psychological and social problems that may contribute to a number of unplanned hospital admissions. There are several health and social reasons that increase the likelihood of recurrent hospital admissions within 30 days of the initial hospital admission of an older adult with dementia. Previous research on unplanned hospital readmissions in older people with dementia focused on single factors such as cardiovascular disease alone. However, focusing on single factors for hospital readmissions is not realistic, as they are more likely to experience numerous factors. Additionally, existing research does not represent the multitude of stakeholders involved in dementia care. As well as understanding the perspective of healthcare professionals and family carers, the perspectives of allied healthcare professionals, discharge coordinators and NHS commissioners are very important to understand, as they are actively involved in the care of individuals living with dementia. 

My PhD thesis aims to investigate factors that contribute towards unplanned recurrent hospital admissions for older people living with dementia. I hope that my study will contribute to the evidence for future developments that reduce avoidable hospital readmissions and help people live better with dementia. 

Your involvement as key stakeholders within dementia care in this study:

To participate in a short 30-45 minute interview, where you will be asked questions on your perspectives and attitudes on the current pathways, initiatives, strategies and cost of the problem of recurrent hospital admissions in older adults with dementia within the Brighton, Hove and East and West Sussex.

Contact:

Bria Browne – PhD student, Brighton & Sussex Medical School

Email: b.browne@bsms.ac.uk