A mixed methods evaluation of got care!

This study aimed to assess the relationship between an Interprofessional Collaborative Practice (IPCP) intervention for community-dwelling older adults, Geriatric Outreach and Training with Care! (GOT Care!), and the observed 26% reduction in Emergency Department (ED) visits for the 51 older adult participants. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was utilized. Demographic data and ED visit data were collected and analyzed using paired-samples t-tests, poisson regression and generalized poisson regression. Stakeholder perspectives were assessed via emailed open-ended surveys and analyzed using content analysis. The quantitative results were transformed into trends that were compared and contrasted with the qualitative themes. The results were consistent with the current literature that IPCP models may have a greater impact on older adults with certain demographic characteristics such as polypharmacy, diabetes and prior ED use, while nursing was identified as an ideal leader for IPCP teams.