Avoidable Hospitalizations/ Emergency Department Visits- Meta-synthesis of Qualitative Research

The present study is a qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis study. The study primarily focused on the qualitative studies that collected and analyzed narratives from patients who experienced preventable hospitalizations. The information from their families, health care providers, and stakeholders in the qualitative studies are also included. The data collections from patients occurred during their hospital stay, emergency department stay, or after discharge to the community are included. Patients included all ages and gender, regardless of their race/ethnicity and countries.

The qualitative studies must be published in peer-reviewed journals, with language as english and no restriction on publication date or country of origin. Two authors (HC and HL) independently screened the title and reviewed abstracts, then full texts for eligibility. Thorugh synthesizing, the present study is expected to develop themes and sub-themes related to preventable hospitalizations/emergency department visits, in the hope to assist policymakers health care professionals, and stakeholders in properly addressing the underlying factors leading to preventable hospitalizations/emergency department visits .