[Factors influencing professional decision making on acute hospital referral in the case of elderly patients with cognitive impairment among general practitioners (GPs) in The Netherlands: a qualitative study].

Background: Elderly patients with cognitive impairment have a limited life expectancy and are often acutely admitted to the hospital. Hospitalization can negatively affect their quality of life. More knowledge on considerations prior to these referrals is needed to improve care for these patients.