Slow Stream Rehabilitation for Older Adults: A Scoping Review

Can J Aging. 2019 Sep;38(3):328-349. doi: 10.1017/S0714980818000740. Epub 2019 Mar 4.

Abstract

ABSTRACTCanadian older adults with complex health problems are often considered ineligible for traditional rehabilitation programs but may benefit from slow stream rehabilitation (SSR). This scoping review summarizes the literature related to SSR for older adults, within single-payer health care systems.

Methods: Peer-reviewed and grey-literature documents relevant to older adults in SSR were systematically reviewed.

Results: 1,445 documents were screened independently by two reviewers [Cohen Kappa value of 0.78 (CI = 0.73, 0.83)], and included 18 documents. SSR programs were found to be multidisciplinary with a mean duration ranging from 30 to 141.2 days. SSR participants were more likely to be female, with a mean age range of 72-82 years, multiple co-morbidities and mild-to-moderate cognitive impairments. SSR participants demonstrated improvements in physical and functional measures.

Discussion: SSR programs have the potential to be an integral part of the continuum of care for older adults with complex medical histories.

Keywords: aging; examen de la portée; health care; multi-morbidity; multimorbidité; payeur unique; réadaptation lente; scoping review; single payer; slow stream rehabilitation; soins de santé; vieillissement.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Canada
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Chronic Conditions / rehabilitation
  • Recovery of Function
  • Rehabilitation / methods*
  • Rehabilitation / organization & administration
  • Rehabilitation Centers / organization & administration
  • Rehabilitation Research*
  • Single-Payer System