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Hospital discharge of elderly patients to primary health care, with and without an intermediate care hospital: a qualitative study of health professionals' experiences
- Authors:
- DAHL Unni, et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Integrated Care, 14(2), 2014, Online only
- Publisher:
- International Foundation for Integrated Care
Introduction: This is a study of an intermediate care hospital established in Central Norway to improve discharge from a general hospital to primary health care. The aim of the study was to investigate how professionals across health care levels experience the discharge of elderly patients, who are in need of continued care, from a general hospital via an intermediate care hospital compared to a direct discharge to primary health care in a municipality without intermediate care. Methods: A qualitative study with data collected through semi-structured focus groups and individual interviews. Results: Discharge via the intermediate care hospital was contrasted favourably compared to discharge directly from hospital to primary health care. Although increased capacity to receive patients from hospital and prepare them for discharge to primary health care was viewed as a benefit, professionals still requested better communication with the preceding care level concerning further treatment and care for the elderly patients. Conclusions: The intermediate care hospital reduced the coordination challenges during discharge of elderly patients from hospital to primary health care. Nevertheless, the intermediate care was experienced more like an extension of hospital than an included part of primary health care and did not meet the need for communication across care levels. (Edited publisher abstract)