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Discharge of the older person from the emergency department – the perceptions of health professionals
Author(s) -
Dunnion Mary E.,
Kelly Billy
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
international journal of older people nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.707
H-Index - 29
eISSN - 1748-3743
pISSN - 1748-3735
DOI - 10.1111/j.1748-3743.2007.00068.x
Subject(s) - emergency department , medicine , attendance , nursing , anxiety , population , medical emergency , psychiatry , environmental health , economics , economic growth
Aims of study. This study aimed to examine the management of the older person in preparation for discharge home from an emergency department by exploring the perceptions of health professionals on procedures undertaken particularly in relation to the planned support, supply of medications, dressings, and contact information given to patients. An additional aim related to the perceived satisfaction levels of older patients and their carers. Background. It is imperative that older patients are adequately prepared for discharge home from the emergency department so as to avoid unnecessary anxiety, increase in health problems and possible re‐attendance or admission to hospital. Design. The sample in this study comprised the total population ( n = 222) of all medical and nursing staff in both the emergency department and the primary care area. Methods. The method adopted was a survey approach which employed the use of standardized questionnaires comprising both open and closed questioning styles. Results. The data obtained identified results similar to previous research in that a discrepancy exists between hospital and community staff in relation to the procedures undertaken when discharging older people from the emergency department, such as arranging follow‐up care and appointments and giving the patient relevant contact numbers and dressings. Conclusion. The findings of this study support previous research in that there is a need to provide patients with planned support, aids and appliances, clear instructions and relevant contact numbers on discharge from the emergency department. Relevance to clinical practice. Good quality discharge planning is essential for a continuum of care for older people discharged from the emergency department. While patient education is often difficult in the busy emergency department, the provision of relevant information to older patients prior to discharge is essential particularly in relation to prescribed medications and wound care.