Figure 3. Secondary Outcomes.
Length of Stay
Nine studies measured length of stay. Individually, only two studies, Bo et al., a non-RMT, and Lundstrom 2007, an RMT, demonstrated significant reductions in length of stay. Overall, the meta-analysis involving 3358 patients showed that the mean difference was −0.16 days shorter in the intervention group with a trend towards significance (95% CI −0.97–0.64). Heterogeneity was moderate, I2 = 64% with p = 0.006). Weighting was assigned according to the inverse of the variance. Mean differences less than 0 indicate decreased length of stay, in days. RMT indicates randomized or matched trials; CI indicates confidence interval.
Institutionalization
Four studies examined the rate of institutionalization in a senior residential or nursing home facility post-hospital discharge. Overall, the meta-analysis involving 1176 patients showed that the odds of discharge to long-term care were 5% lower (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.71–1.26) in the intervention group, but the results did not achieve statistical significance. Heterogeneity was low, I2 = 0.00% with p = 0.69 among intervention subjects, but there was little to no significant effect. Weighting was assigned according to the inverse of the variance. Odds ratios less than 1 indicate decreased rate of institutionalization. RMT indicates randomized or matched trials; CI indicates confidence interval.