Effect of a care process programme on frail older people's life satisfaction.

ABSTRACT

AIM: The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of a full-scale implementation of a care process programme on life satisfaction among frail older people, as compared with those receiving usual care. DESIGN: The study includes participants from a full-scale care process programme (N = 77) and participants from a historical control group (N = 66). The care process programme establishes a comprehensive continuum of care through components including case management, interprofessional teamwork and care-planning meetings in the older people's own homes. METHODS: Questionnaires were used and data were collected at baseline, with follow-ups at three, six and 12 months. RESULTS: The implementation of the full-scale care process programme had a positive effect on life satisfaction among frail older people. From 6-month-12-month follow-ups, a higher proportion of participants in the care process programme had positive life satisfaction outcomes, as compared with the historical control group.