Patients involvement in the discharge process from hospital to home: A patient's journey

Abstract

AbstractAimsThe aims of the study were to gain insight in the transfer process from hospital to homecare or rehabilitation centre from a patient's perspectives and to describe the experienced involvement, information provision and information needs patients.DesignA multiple case study with a phenomenological approach.MethodsObservations and interviews were employed, between May 2019 and August 2019, to capture the patient's perspectives and experiences on involvement, information provision and needs. Observations were executed during the discharge process from hospital to homecare (n = 6) or revalidation centre (n = 1) and during admission interviews with community nurses (n = 6). Interviews were conducted at the patient's home and the revalidation centre.ResultsEight themes were identified within three phases of the transfer process. The Sign‐up phase contained two themes: ‘organizing follow‐up care’ and ‘planning the moment of discharge from the hospital’. The two themes in the Transfer phase were, ‘verbal information provision’ and ‘written information provision’. Four themes were identified in the End phase: ‘nursing supplies’, ‘medication’, ‘the electronic patient portal’ and ‘continuation of (para)medical care’.ConclusionsPatient participation in the transition process from the hospital to follow‐up care can be improved. This study indicates that unsafe situations could be prevented by patient involvement and clear perceptions of the role and responsibilities of patients, family and healthcare professionals.Implications to Patient CarePatient and family involvement has the potential to improve transition of care and techniques for shared decision‐making can be applied to a greater extent.ImpactThis paper highlights that patients and families should be acknowledged as key figures in the transfer process and gives direction to healthcare professionals on how to increase involvement in the transfer process by actively inviting patients to participate in the transfer process.Reporting MethodCOREQ guidelines for qualitative reporting.No patient or public contribution.Contribution to Global Clinical Community This paper gives insights in patients’ and families’ perspectives on transition of nursing care and their involvement during the whole transfer process. This paper gives direction how to improve patient participation during the discharge process from hospital to follow‐up care.