Open AccessCaregiver Experiences of Care Coordination for Recently Discharged Patients: A Qualitative Metasynthesis
Author(s) -
Catherine Callister,
Jacqueline Jones,
Shara Schroeder,
Khadijah Breathett,
Blythe Dollar,
Urvi Jhaveri Sanghvi,
Ben Harnke,
Hillary D. Lum,
Christine Jones
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
western journal of nursing research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.552
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1552-8456
pISSN - 0193-9459
DOI - 10.1177/0193945919880183
Subject(s) - cinahl , feeling , medline , qualitative research , medicine , nursing , hospital discharge , psychology , psychological intervention , intensive care medicine , social psychology , law , social science , sociology , political science
Caregivers of patients often provide key support for patients after hospitalization. This qualitative metasynthesis describes caregiver perspectives about care coordination for patients discharged from the hospital. A literature search of Ovid Medline and CINAHL completed on May 23, 2018, identified 1,546 studies. Twelve articles were included in the final metasynthesis. Caregiver perspectives about care coordination were compiled into overall themes. A subanalysis of studies in which patients were discharged with home health services was completed. Five main themes emerged related to caregiver perspectives on care coordination after hospitalization: (a) Suboptimal access to clinicians after discharge, (b) Feeling disregarded by clinicians, (c) Need for information and training at discharge, (d) Overwhelming responsibilities to manage appointments and medications, and (e) Need for emotional support.Findings from this metasynthesis suggest the need for clinicians to engage with caregivers to provide support, training, and communication after hospital discharge.