Evaluation and perceptions of a nursing discharge plan among nurses from different healthcare settings in Spain

Abstract

Purpose The exchange of information between different healthcare settings through a nursing discharge plan is essential for safe care. However, the factors contributing to achieving the most efficient exchange have not been well studied. This study aimed to evaluate and explore the perceptions of a nursing discharge plan from the perspective of nurses in different healthcare settings. Methods A mixed methods approach comprising a specifically designed ad hoc questionnaire (n = 437) and a focus group session (n = 8). Findings Overall, 66.1% out of 437 nurses, and especially those working in nursing homes, were satisfied with the nursing discharge plan. Lack of time to complete the report and poor information about both nursing diagnoses and patients’ social assessment were identified as problem areas. Some proposals emerged from the focus group: providing sufficient time for its completion, giving the nursing discharge plan a more flexible structure permitting more open-ended responses, requiring more information to be provided about the social and psychological situation of the patients, training nurses to use standardized language to avoid possible misinterpretations, and getting nurses from the different health care settings to work together in designing continuity of care plans. Elderly and low-income patients are found to need greater attention when filling out nursing discharge plans. Conclusions The study has revealed key aspects that need to be improved and some recommendations in implementing the nursing discharge plan in our health area. These include that there should be more time provided to complete the NDP, and also specific details regarding the format, structure, content of the information that is communicated, and the prioritization of the patient profile.

Assessment of Standardized Care Plans for People with Chronic Diseases in Primary Care Settings

“…Our results can therefore be considered positive in view of the large body of literature confirming the effectiveness of motivational interviewing for numerous outcomes and circumstances, including primary care [ 43 , 44 ] and chronic conditions [ 45 ]. The fact that social dimension resources were rated less positively would suggest that patients’ social problems tend to be overlooked [ 46 , 47 ], as confirmed by other studies of nursing programmes [ 6 ]. Health education resources were rated as moderate, suggesting that further efforts in this area are necessary, given the key role of health education in the community management of chronic diseases [ 48 ].…”

“…This study identified several facilitators of ARES-AP use, including the following: the organized structuring of information, which enhances tracking and understanding of individual care needs; the inclusion of evidence-based guidelines, which ensures safety and customization; improved record-keeping, which fosters interprofessional communication and care continuity; heightened recognition of the vital role of nurses in managing chronic diseases; and greater nurse autonomy in decision-making and care provision. These facilitators underscore the potential benefits of ARES-AP in terms of improved organization, safety, and efficiency, and also in recognizing nursing contributions to chronic care, documented as essential for this patient population [ 6 , 55 ]. Previous studies have reported dissatisfaction with standardized care plan programmes, particularly arising from a lack of consensus as to care plan structure [ 29 ].…”

“…This demographic shift has led to a heightened demand for healthcare services [ 5 ], which often means that care is shared by different professionals, providers, and areas. Therefore, ensuring the quality and safety of continuity care needs could be met through personalized nursing care plans [ 6 , 7 ].…”

Calidad de atención de enfermería en el adulto mayor hospitalizado: Revisión sistemática

“…Evaluation and perceptions of a nursing discharge plan among nurses from different healthcare settings in Spain Reig-Garcia et al (11) Percepciones variadas sobre la efectividad de planes de alta en enfermería, con falta de coordinación entre hospital y atención domiciliaria para adultos mayores hospitalizados.…”