An ED-based NDPC, dedicated specifically to the discharge planning care of elder patients, reduces the proportion of unscheduled ED return visits and facilitates the transition from ED back home and into the community health care network.

Trait NA does not bias elderly adults' reports of symptoms, illness episodes, symptom reports for episodes, or the use of health care. Both NA and SAH reflect independent sources of common sense and self-knowledge, and each contributes valid information about the elderly individuals' perceptions of their somatic states.

The present quality assurance study indicated that the implementation of an integrated interdisciplinary program for the care of patients with COPD can improve patient outcomes despite the tendency of COPD to worsen over time.