Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40577106›Full record

ArticleThe Gerontologist2025

Unpacking the dynamics of transitional care units in Ontario, Canada.

Alexandra Krassikova, Lydia Yeung, Jennifer Bethell, Martine Puts, Sandra McKay, Sara Guilcher, Kerry Kuluski, Katherine S McGilton

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in The Gerontologist, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Alexandra KrassikovaKITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.ORCID 0000-0001-9828-1231
Lydia YeungKITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Jennifer BethellKITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.ORCID 0000-0002-6141-9011
Martine PutsLawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.ORCID 0000-0002-0710-1854
Sandra McKayVHA Home HealthCare, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.ORCID 0000-0002-5073-3662
Sara GuilcherPhysical Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.ORCID 0000-0002-9552-9139
Kerry KuluskiInstitute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Katherine S McGiltonKITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.ORCID 0000-0003-2470-9738

Funding

CIHR 180618The Walter and Maria Schroeder Institute for Brain Innovation & RecoveryTier 2 Canada Research ChairTrillium Health Partners FoundationUniversity of Toronto Centre for the Study of Pain
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND

objectivesTransitional care units (TCUs) provide short-term, low-intensity, restorative care to patients who are medically stable but unable to leave the hospital due to factors, such as lack of support. In Ontario, Canada, TCUs have been implemented over the past decade, yet little is known about their operation. This study aimed to explore the structural characteristics and the care processes of TCUs from the perspective of TCU managers. RESEARCH DESIGN AND

methodsAn exploratory descriptive qualitative design was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven TCU managers. A five-step inductive thematic analysis was used to identify themes. Participants' median age was 46 years (range 36-50), with four men and three women. Their experience as TCU managers at the time of the interview ranged from 2 months to 5 years.

resultsThe study results suggest variation across TCUs in terms of structure and patient populations served. Four themes were identified related to the care processes across seven TCUs: (1) ensuring safe transitions; (2) managing patients' expectations; (3) creating a team that works together; and (4) navigating a constantly changing environment. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Taking into account the variability of models, implementation and evaluation of these programs require careful planning. The complex medical and psychosocial needs of TCU patients should be considered when designing these units to ensure effective and appropriate care delivery.

Indexed as

Transitional CareAdultFemaleHumansInterviews as TopicMaleMiddle AgedOntarioQualitative Researchalternative level of carecognitive impairmentdelayed hospital dischargestransitional care

Identifiers

PMID40577106
PMCPMC12366981

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LicenceCC BY-NC
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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.