A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Relationship between health-related quality of life and emergency department visit reduction in older adults




AuthorsKanninen, Jonna-Carita; Kautiainen, Hannu; Holm, Anu

PublisherTaylor & Francis

Publication year2025

Journal: Critical Public Health

Article number2578587

Volume35

Issue1

ISSN0958-1596

eISSN1469-3682

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1080/09581596.2025.2578587

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingOpen Access

Publication channel's open availability Open Access publication channel

Web address https://doi.org/10.1080/09581596.2025.2578587

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/505478774


Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the incidence of emergency department (ED) visits in a population of home-dwelling 75-year-olds. This study included home-dwelling older adults aged 75 in Western Finland, who participated in health screenings between 2020 and 2021, which included laboratory tests, self-reported questionnaires, and nurse interviews. HRQoL was measured using the 15D instrument, and participants were grouped into tertiles based on HRQoL scores. Demographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed, and ED visit incidence was evaluated per 1000 person-years (pyrs) over two years. Relationships between HRQoL dimensions and ED visits were presented as incidence changes and rate ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The study included 953 participants. Compared to those with lower HRQoL scores, participants with higher scores were more often male and married, made less frequent use of support services, had better mental health, were less frail, and functionally more independent. Improved nutritional status and hemoglobin levels, while fall risk, urogenital distress (UDI-6), and medication use decreased across tertiles. ED visit incidence decreased from over 300 per 1000 pyrs at low HRQoL (0.5) to about 50 per 1000 pyrs at high HRQoL (1.0). Improvements in specific HRQoL dimensions, especially sleeping and breathing, were significantly associated with fewer ED visits. Higher HRQoL has a relationship with fewer ED visits among home-dwelling older adults. Improvements in specific HRQoL dimensions, particularly sleeping and breathing, significantly reduce ED visit rates. These findings emphasize the importance of targeted HRQoL enhancements, comprehensive screenings, and preventive care to lower unplanned healthcare utilization.


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Funding information in the publication
This work was supported by the Päivikki and Sakari Sohlberg Foundation (Päivikki ja Sakari Sohlbergin Säätiö). Otherwise, this research did not receive specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.


Last updated on 28/11/2025 03:30:45 PM