Communication between residential aged care facilities and the emergency department: A review of the literature

Abstract

This paper identifies frequent communication deficits in the information provided to the emergency department from aged care facilities. There is an imperative to identify suitable items of information which health care professionals agree are essential. Future research should focus on methods to improve the transfer of information between facilities, including consensus regarding what information is essential transfer data.

Hospital passports, patient safety and person‐centred care: A review of documents currently used for people with intellectual disabilities in the UK

“…The World Health Organization () identify transitions in care between facilities, sectors and support staff as a key patient safety issue since they increase the potential for communication errors when key information is not transferred with the patient. Similar concerns have also been raised elsewhere (e.g., Braaf et al., ; Griffiths et al., ). Such a situation may be even more high risk for people with intellectual disabilities who may have limited communication skills (both expressive and receptive) and who may therefore be unable to communicate their medical history and current signs and symptoms whilst also having limited capacity to understand what is being said to them or to challenge what others are saying.…”

“…A lack of effective communication during transfers of care is recognised internationally as a significant patient safety issue (Braaf, Riley, & Manias, ; Griffiths, Morphet, Innes, Crawford, & Williams, ; WHO, ). Whilst the focus of many of these concerns relates to effective transfer of information between healthcare professionals and settings, patients also have a key role to play in ensuring that key information is available (World Health Organization, ).…”

Key stakeholders' perspectives on the development of a national transfer document, for older persons, when transferring between the residential and acute care settings: A qualitative descriptive study

“…From a safety and effective perspective, a great deal of time was spent on discussing what would constitute essential information. Similar to previous research, evidence highlights a lack of consensus as to what constitutes essential information (Griffiths et al, ) and more research is needed to determine the optimum amount of information required (Morphet et al, ). Our findings emphasised the importance of including information related to personal biography; current health status; functional assessments; and psychological assessments.…”

“…With the increased number of older persons residing in residential settings, the transfer of patient information between residential and the acute care settings requires rigorous consideration to aid safe and effective patient transfer. For too long communication, problems and deficits have arisen due, in part, to incomplete transfer documentation along with a lack of document standardisation (Dalawari, Duggan, Vangimalla, Paniagua, & Armbrecht, ; Griffiths, Morphet, Innes, Crawford, & Williams, ). In addition, person‐centred information related to the individual, such as their normal sleeping patterns, their preferred name, is vital to ensure a personalised, safe and effective transfer process.…”

“…In addition, person‐centred information related to the individual, such as their normal sleeping patterns, their preferred name, is vital to ensure a personalised, safe and effective transfer process. Griffiths et al () purported that there is evidence of a lack of consensus as to what constituted essential information to support a quality, safe, person‐centred care. Whilst person‐centred care is a broad concept, McCormack and McCance () have defined it as; “... an approach to practice established through the formation and fostering of healthful relationships between all care providers service user and others significant to them in their lives.…”