Analyzing the Effect of Nurse-Led Follow-Up Calls to Reduce Emergency Department Readmissions in Older Adults

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether nurse-led follow-up calls after emergency department (ED) discharge were associated with decreased 30-day ED revisits and hospital admissions among older adults in two geriatric practices. METHOD: The current retrospective quality improvement evaluation was conducted from April 2023 to March 2025. RNs called individuals aged ≥65 years within 5 business days of ED discharge to review instructions, assess symptoms, and support primary care provider (PCP) follow up. Outcomes were 30-day ED revisits and hospital admissions. Logistic regression assessed associations between a 5-day nurse call, a 14-day PCP visit, and combined. RESULTS: Of 2,381 patients, 42.4% received a nurse call and 47.8% completed a PCP visit. Within 30 days, 13.1% revisited the ED and 10.4% were hospitalized. Nurse calls were associated with higher odds of ED revisits, but combined calls and PCP visits were associated with decreased 30-day hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Nurse-led calls were feasible and may strengthen ED-to-home transitions in older adults.