What is the experience of being readmitted to hospital for people 65 years and over? A review of the literature.

AIM: To explore the experience of readmissions to hospital from the perspective of older adults.

METHODS: A systematic review with an interpretative approach was conducted. CINAHL, Embase, and Medline were consulted in October 2016.

RESULTS: Six studies with data collection between 2004 and 2013 fit the relevant criteria and included a total of 68 older adults. Two overarching themes were developed with relevant subthemes: Experience during initial hospital stay distinguished by exclusion (Feeling powerless; Feeling disregarded; Perception of readiness for discharge); Patients experience uncertainty following discharge (Perception that community-based services are not available or adequate; Perception that hospital is the only safe place; Difficulty in adapting to a "new normal").

CONCLUSIONS: A cycle of exclusion exists during the initial hospital stay and beyond. The experience of being readmitted to hospital is challenging, mostly perceived as negative, and, existential, emotional and psychological well-being is not satisfactorily addressed by healthcare professionals.