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Experiences of elderly patients concerning discharge from hospital
Author(s) -
TIERNEY ALISON J.,
GLOSS S. JOSÉ,
HUNTER HARRIET C.,
MACMILLAN MAUREEN S.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
journal of clinical nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.94
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1365-2702
pISSN - 0962-1067
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2702.1993.tb00158.x
Subject(s) - discharge planning , hospital discharge , audit , medicine , patient discharge , commission , exploratory research , nursing , medical emergency , medline , intensive care medicine , business , accounting , finance , sociology , political science , anthropology , law
Summary• Problems surrounding the discharge of patients from hospital have been well‐documented in the research literature and highlighted in recent Audit Commission reports. • The need for effective discharge planning and post‐discharge support is increasing as lengths of stay in hospital continue to fall. • Elderly patients are in particular need of well‐planned discharge. • This paper reports the findings of an exploratory study in which elderly patients were interviewed before and after discharge from hospital. • Three main problem areas which were identified are discussed:— lack of preparation for discharge; — difficulties in managing at home after discharge; — limited provision of health and social services in the post‐discharge period.• It is suggested that nurses are in a key position to improve discharge planning and procedures for patients (particularly the elderly) returning home from hospital.