title: Preventing avoidable incidents leading to a presentation to the emergency department (ED) by older adults with cognitive impairment: protocol for a scoping review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Older adults with cognitive impairment represent a large portion (21-42%) of people (65+) who consult at an emergency department (ED). Because this sub-group is at higher risk for hospitalisation and mortality following an ED visit, awareness about 'avoidable' incidents should be increased in order to prevent presentations to the ED due to such incidents. This study aims to synthetise the actual knowledge related to 'avoidable' incidents (ie, traumatic injuries, poisoning and other consequences of external causes) (WHO, 2016) leading to ED presentations in older people with cognitive impairment.
  A scoping review will be performed. Scientific and grey literature (1996-2016) will be searched using a combination of key words pertaining to avoidable incidents, ED presentations, older adults and cognitive impairment. A variety of databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Ageline, SCOPUS, ProQuest Dissertations/theses, EBM Reviews, Healthstar), online library catalogues, governmental websites and published statistics will be examined. Included sources will pertain to community-dwelling older adults presenting to the ED as a result of an avoidable incident, with the main focus on those with cognitive impairment. Data (eg, type, frequency, severity, circumstances of incidents, preventive measures) will be extracted and analysed using a thematic chart and content analysis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This scoping review will provide a picture of the actual knowledge on the subject and identify knowledge gaps in existing literature to be filled by future primary researches. Findings will help stakeholders to develop programmes in order to promote safe and healthy environments and behaviours aimed at reducing avoidable incidents in seniors, especially those with cognitive impairment.
authors.affiliation: Research Centre on Aging, Eastern Townships Integrated University Centre for Health & Social Services - Sherbrooke Hospital University Centre, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
authors.forename: Véronique
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Provencher
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada Public Health Directory, Eastern Townships Integrated University Centre for Health & Social Services - Sherbrooke Hospital University Centre, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
authors.forename: Mélissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Généreux
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
authors.forename: Mireille
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gagnon-Roy
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montreal, Montreal, Québec, Canada Research Centre - Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada.
authors.forename: Nathalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Veillette
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Bruyere Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Egan
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec city, Québec, Canada CHU de Québec Research Center, Quebec city, Québec, Canada.
authors.forename: Marie-Josée
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Sirois
authors.affiliation: Research Centre on Aging, Eastern Townships Integrated University Centre for Health & Social Services - Sherbrooke Hospital University Centre, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
authors.forename: Francis
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lacasse
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
authors.forename: Kathy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rose
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
authors.forename: Stéphanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Stocco
mesh_terms: D000056:Accident Prevention; D000368:Aged; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D000098584:Scoping Reviews as Topic
keywords: GERIATRIC MEDICINE; PUBLIC HEALTH; TRAUMA MANAGEMENT