Risk factors for infection in older adults who receive home healthcare and/or home help: a systematic review

The shift towards home-based care has resulted in increased provision of home healthcare and home help to older adults.

Rates of infections developed in older adults while receiving home care have increased too, resulting in unplanned yet avoidable hospitalisations.

In recent years, several studies have reported an array of factors associated with risk of infection, however, no previous systematic review has compiled such evidence, which is important to better protect older adults.

Therefore, we have outlined the work of a systematic review that aims to identify risk factors for infection in older adults receiving home healthcare and/or home help. Searches for relevant studies will be conducted in five databases. All types of studies to be included and assessed for biases. Outcomes considered refer to medical, individual, social/behavioural and environmental risk factors for infection.

For the analysis, a guideline for mixed methods for systematic reviews will be used as it allows for a single overarching synthesis.

The findings of this systematic review are of interest to individuals and society as well as FORTE as it focuses on both healthcare needs and social care needs, and the most vulnerable older adults often depend on both of these care types to manage everyday life.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brutally shown the consequences of infection among older adults including those receving home care, making it a public interest to identify risk factors for infection in the home care setting.