Elderly patients' perceptions of their discharge process home after a stay in hospital

Abstract

This study sought to examine elderly patients' perceptions of their discharge process, when going back home after an in patient stay in hospital. Quantitative data, together with some qualitative data was collected from fifteen elderly patients in the local hospital. The data was collected using a semi structured interview. Data was analysed using spread sheets and content analysis was later applied to the data. The study suggests that patients who participated in the study were overall content with the discharge process, although it has to be improved. A number of important aspects were identified from the interview such as the importance of good communication between members of the health care team, together with the patient and the relatives. From the discussion various recommendations have been put forward such as the importance of continuity of care after the patient is discharged from hospital and ensuring that the necessary information is transferred between hospital and the community.