Transitional 'hospital to home' care of older patients: healthcare professionals' perspectives

Abstract

Background Transitional care is a key area of care provision to older people with chronic and complex health conditions and is associated with the quality of care delivered in the healthcare system. Aims This study aimed to explore the perspectives of healthcare providers, including nurses and physicians, regarding transitional care from hospital to home in an urban area of Turkey. Methods A qualitative study using a thematic analysis method was carried out. In-depth semi-structured interviews were held with eight clinical nurses and five general physicians involved in the provision of healthcare services to older patients in the transitional care process from hospital to home. Findings The thematic analysis of in-depth semi-structured interviews with 13 healthcare professionals led to the development of the following themes: 'uninterrupted chain of care transfer', 'commitment to meet patient's needs' and 'support and removing ambiguities'. Conclusions Key factors impacting on the quality and safety of transitional care and continuity of healthcare are communication and collaboration between healthcare staff and settings, and older patients' as well as family caregivers' awareness and their feelings of responsibility towards the continuity of care at home.