Institutionalization and home health care after acute hospitalizations of older persons in Norway

Irrespective of prior FCS uptake, acute hospital admissions are associated with subsequent FCS uptake, especially for trauma, cerebrovascular and geriatric conditions. Minor variations across sociodemographic characteristics suggest need-based, equitable service provision. The mode (HHC vs IC) and temporality of FCS uptake warrants further research to identify policy measures that may improve care trajectories to ensure sustainable, safe, and high-quality care and rehabilitation following acute hospitalizations of older individuals. Clinical practice and future research should include hospital frailty measures to improve predictions of future FCS needs, particularly for persons unknown to the FCS system pre-hospitalization.