Feeling let down: An exploratory study of the experiences of older people who were readmitted to hospital following a recent discharge

Abstract

Background: Readmission of older people to hospital following a recent discharge may be an indicator of gaps in services either prior to or after discharge. Aims and objectives: To explore the experiences of older people who have been readmitted to hospital following recent discharge to their homes. Design: A qualitative descriptive study Method: In-depth interviews were conducted with three older people who were discharged from a large tertiary referral hospital in NSW Australia and readmitted. Interviews were conducted within the hospital setting in a private room. An interview guide was used to explore the reasons for admission and readmission to hospital and experiences upon discharge to home. In particular the researchers were interested in the events that led to readmission. Data were analysed thematically Results: Three main themes emerged including: being left out, being cared for and feeling let down. Conclusion: While this study was undertaken in only one hospital with only three older people the findings provide valuable insight into their experiences. Nurses need to be proactive in ensuring and promoting a person centred approach to the care and treatment of older people.

Hospital readmission: Older married male patients’ experiences of life conditions and critical incidents affecting the course of care, a qualitative study

“…In the current study, these older males described a range of critical incidents related to care interaction such as knowledge sharing, communication and coordination of care and treatment across care settings. Similar with other studies , we found multiple inhibitive critical incidents in which the care interaction was leading to increased risk of readmission, such as lack of discharge planning and not perceiving oneself fully recovered at discharge. Concurrently, we also found a range of supportive critical incidents such as anticipatory care, dialogue with healthcare providers on life conditions, being actively involved in decision‐making, continuity in patient/provider interactions and coordinated plans for care and treatment across care settings.…”

An observational study of older patients’ participation in hospital admission and discharge – exploring patient and next of kin perspectives

“…Some patients seemed hesitant to ask clarifying questions to the doctor when they did not understand the information provided. Dilworth et al (2012) reported that older patients readmitted to hospitals at times felt 'left out', unheard and ignored by healthcare professionals, because they were not given information and not provided with an opportunity to participate in the decision-making. Foss and Hofoss (2011) reported that older patients preferred to be involved in hospital discharge.…”

What is the experience of being readmitted to hospital for people 65 years and over? A review of the literature

“…All of the selected articles had obtained relevant ethical approval yet some limitations were noted. Only one of the articles clearly located the researchers culturally and theoretically and addressed the influence of the researcher on the research (Dilworth et al 2012). This lack of theoretical and cultural positioning could have an impact on assumptions made by the researchers thus affecting results.…”