Discharge planning: best practice in transitions of care

Abstract

This article provides an overview of a project undertaken by the Queen's Nursing Institute (QNI) and funded by The Department of Health, to identify the barriers and challenges that prevent effective discharge from hospital to home. Unnecessary delays in discharging patients from hospital to home is an ongoing problem and for older people this can lead to worse health outcomes, which can increase their long-term care needs. Findings from the project illustrates that while there are challenges in achieving excellent practice in the transfer of a patient's care from hospital to home, there is a significant willingness and commitment from nurses based both in the community and hospital to improve the patient experience. Key recommendations are cited in the article that will enhance an improved discharge experience for patients, carers and their families.

Keywords: barriers; discharge planning; effectiveness; recommendations; surveys.