Nurses’ actions for Covid-19 patients' transitioning from hospital to home: a scoping review

Abstract

PurposeTo map nurses’ actions performed during the care transitions from hospital to home of Covid-19 patients.Design/methodology/approachA scoping review based on the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines was carried out. We searched in seven databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, BDENF, LILACS, SciELO, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. A two-step screening process and data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers. The findings were summarized and analyzed using a content analysis technique.FindingsOf the total 5,618 studies screened, 21 were included. The analysis revealed nurses’ actions before and after patient’ discharge, sometimes planned and developed with the interprofessional team. The nurses’ actions included to plan and support patients’ discharge, to adapt the care plan, to use screening tools and monitor patients’ clinical status and needs, to provide health orientation to patients and caregivers, home care and face-to-face visiting, to communicate with patients, caregivers and other health professionals with phone calls and virtual tools, to provide rehabilitation procedures, to make referrals and to orient patients and families to navigate in the health system.Practical implicationsThe results provide a broader understanding of the actions taken and challenges faced by nurses to ensure a safe care transition for Covid-19 patients from hospital to home. The interprofessional integration to discharge planning and the clinical nursing leadership in post-discharge monitoring were highlighted.Originality/valueThe nurses’ actions for Covid-19 patients performed during care transitions focused on coordination and discharge planning tailored to the needs of patients and caregivers at the home setting. Nurses monitored patients, with an emphasis on providing guidance and checking clinical status using telehealth tools.