A causal loop diagram of older persons’ emergency department visits and interactions of its contributing factors: a group model building approach

Key summary points Aim This study aimed to better understand why people older than 65 years of age visit the ED in Amsterdam and capture the interactions of contributing factors in a causal loop diagram (CLD) through group model building (GMB). Findings Central contributing factors included, ‘acute event’, ‘frailty’, ‘functioning of the healthcare professional’ and ‘availability of alternatives for the ED’. These factors, as well as many underlying factors, showed extensive interaction, thereby contributing directly and via each other to older persons’ ED visits. Message This study helps to better understand the etiology of older persons’ ED visits and elucidates the role interactions of contributing factors can play.