This study aims to examine whether an advance directive “Do Not Hospitalize” (DNH) would be effective in reducing hospital/emergency department (ED) transfers. Similar effects in residents with dementia were also examined.
Institutionalized adults are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality from influenza and pneumococcal infection. Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination have been shown to be effective in reducing hospitalization and deaths due to pneumonia and influenza in this population.