• Véronique Provencher, Mélissa Généreux, Mireille Gagnon-Roy, Nathalie Veillette, Mary Egan, Marie-Josée Sirois, Francis Lacasse, Kathy Rose, and Stéphanie Stocco.
• 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.
• BMJ Open. 2016 Feb 12; 6 (2): e009818.

IntroductionOlder 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.Methodology And AnalysisA 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.Discussion And DisseminationThis 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.Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

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